Teaching Keyboard Skills with Type to Learn Software

This post describes Type to Learn Software.  Typing software for special education students can help those with special needs learn to type.  The following disabilities benefit from using this type of software:

Physical Disabilities

• Typing software teaches students how to type. Software for students with special physical needs allows students to use a limited number of fingers and learn to type. Students who can type with only one finger at a time can use some of the available typing programs. Students with no available fingers can use voice response programs that type what they say. Visually impaired students can use a software program with audio and an extra large display. Some companies can tailor the software to fit the individual physical needs of the student.

Dyslexia and Learning Disabled

• There are typing programs to help students with dyslexia and low reading ability. These software programs help students focus on the typing without the frustration of sequencing. The program may have an audio component, so students with reading problems can hear the letters and type what they hear instead of relying on the visual component.

One example of Type to Learn Software to teach keyboarding skills is First Keys 3.  With First Keys 3 Software you can choose from the wide selection of over 80 activities included with the program or create your own using the straightforward and intuitive editor.

You can make spelling exercises to support literacy activities, education topics or personalised learning. With the new teacher interface, text lists and letter rules can be merged to create new exercises containing relevant topic words and tasks.

Choose Individual Options

Each user has their own options and settings that can be controlled using the editor, including the degree of hint support provided during exercises. Users interact with the program either by using the keyboard or by clicking letters with the mouse. Fonts and speech support are configurable.

Monitoring Progress

Teachers now have the opportunity to see detailed tracking of user progress. Reports are generated showing exactly where users are struggling, when they are choosing the wrong letters and what exercises they are excelling at , meaning that activities can be structured to provide the highest learning impact.

References: 
http://www.ehow.com
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/articles

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_su7CSFLic