Factors to consider in making a decision whether to convert traditional typewriting classrooms to microcomputer classrooms include effects on oral instruction, ethical issues in file transfer, and use of keyboarding software and timed writing software. (JOW)

A study was undertaken to determine the gross words per minute achieved and errors made on timed writings completed by keyboarding students at the middle/junior high school, beginning high school, and advanced high school level with error correction as part of the input process. (JOW)

Eight experienced keyboard operators typed digraphs at high speed on both standard and Dvorak keyboards in 10-second timings. The Dvorak was found to be 4% faster, a margin too small to justify a nationwide switch to this keyboard. (SK)

Discusses transaction systems that are designed for rapid data entry and task completion, and describes a study of three organizations that use commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) products for providing customer service as well as for processing transactions. Concludes that organizations made do with systems designed for one application to…

In 2 experiments, participants used a keyboard to enter 4-digit numbers presented on a computer monitor under conditions promoting fatigue. In Experiment 1, accuracy of data entry declined but response times improved over time, reflecting an increasing speed-accuracy trade-off. In Experiment 2, the (largely cognitive) time to enter the initial…

This article examines the influence of keyboarding versus handwriting in a high-stakes writing assessment. Conclusions are based on data collected from a pilot project to move Old Dominion University's Exit Exam of Writing Proficiency from a handwritten format into a dual-option format (i.e., the students may choose to handwrite or keyboard the…

Three programs to help students learn proper keyboarding techniques are reviewed. (MT)

Voice recognition technology is rapidly being improved. It will not replace keyboarding, but it will change the way keyboarding is taught. (SK)

Reviews the impact of repetitive stress injuries in the workplace, the nature of those injuries, and what teachers can do to help prevent the development of such injuries by teaching proper keyboarding techniques. (Author/JOW)

Describes a teacher's experience with a quadriplegic in a keyboarding class. Points out that teachers should inquire about a student's physical handicap before making assumptions about it and should ask a student how they might help. Suggests not giving an extensive amount of assistance unless requested. (JOW)

Fourth graders with learning disabilities in transcription (handwriting and spelling), LD-TD, and without LD-TD (non-LD), were compared on three writing tasks (letters, sentences, and essays), which differed by level of language, when writing by pen and by keyboard. The two groups did not differ significantly in Verbal IQ but did in handwriting,…

More than 700 five-minute timed writings were administered to over 350 postsecondary keyboarding students to determine the gross words a minute achieved and errors not corrected. The data were used to establish grading standards for speed and accuracy. (JOW)

Discussion of effective teaching methods for keyboarding skills in elementary schools focuses on a study that investigated the use of sensor-key caps. Results provided no evidence that the use of sensor-key caps improved keyboarding speed or accuracy over standard keys without the key caps. (Author/LRW)

The integrated skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking can be used to support active learning in keyboarding classes and simultaneously reinforce making decisions, working with people, and composing at the keyboard. (Author)

This study concluded that (1) teacher-directed instruction is more effective; (2) self-directed learning may be appropriate only if students are committed; (3) age is not related to keyboarding achievement; (4) teacher-directed and self-directed instruction result in usable keyboarding skills, and (5) self-directed students will probably need…