The Evolution of Touch Typing: Online Courses vs Traditional Education
Are you looking to enhance your typing skills by touch typing? Have you ever wondered whether schools still offer courses in touch typing, or if online resources have made traditional schooling obsolete? In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both methods, and provide recommendations for those seeking to improve their typing abilities.
Touch Typing in the Modern Age
Touch typing, or typewriting without looking at the keyboard, is an essential skill in today's digital age. The evolution of technology has made online resources a preferred choice for many learners. According to the KP (Keystrokes Per Hour) figures, once reserved for data entry professionals, are now increasingly common in everyday typing tasks, highlighting the growing importance of touch typing proficiency.
Online Typing Courses
There are countless online typing courses available that cater to a variety of skill levels. These courses are accessible, affordable, and offer flexibility that traditional school courses cannot match. One highly recommended online typing tutor is Typing Mentor, which provides excellent features that make learning touch typing an enjoyable and effective experience.
Typing Mentor: An Ideal Choice
Typing Mentor stands out from other online typing courses due to its gamified approach. Tasks and challenges are designed to engage learners, making the process of improving typing skills both fun and efficient. Unlike traditional assessments, Typing Mentor focuses on continuous improvement rather than just reaching a target speed. As a seasoned typist, I can vouch for its quality and effectiveness.
Traditional Education and Touch Typing Courses
While online courses are gaining popularity, some schools still offer touch typing courses as part of their curriculum. These courses are often geared towards children but can also be beneficial for adults. One such platform, a few years ago, is a task and game-oriented website that has been popular among younger learners. It is designed to make learning touch typing enjoyable and interactive, which can enhance retention and motivation.
My Personal Touch Typing Journey
Back in the 1980s, touch typing was essential for students like myself who aimed to develop the skill on electric typewriters. My mother, a wise woman, encouraged me to take a typing course in high school. Unfortunately, it was only offered in my final semester, so I only had the chance to complete one level. Despite this, I was able to observe my school secretary, who maintained an impressive typing speed of 150 wpm (words per minute) with minimal errors.
Fast forward to college, where I became a proficient typist, often completing tasks faster than my classmates. My typing skills proved so valuable that one classmate would read his papers aloud, while I transcribed them and then bought him lunch for each paper. This experience highlighted the importance of typing skills in a professional setting.
The Case for Online Typing Courses
When I started exploring online typing courses, I initially enrolled in Typing Club. While it did offer a unique learning experience, the initial adjustment period was necessary to get accustomed to following the bouncing prompt. I found that moving too quickly without mastering the current task could lead to inaccuracies. Over time, I adjusted my approach, aiming for mastery rather than speed alone.
Through these courses, I successfully raised my typing speed to around 73 wpm, with a particular emphasis on accuracy. I also noticed that factors such as capitalization and punctuation significantly affected my accuracy levels. Generally, experienced typists aim for a stroke rate of around 300 strokes per minute or higher to achieve optimal performance.
Conclusion
The evolution of touch typing education reflects the changing needs of modern learners. Whether you choose to learn through traditional schooling or online courses, the key is to focus on mastering your skills. Online courses like Typing Mentor and those offered through reputable websites provide a flexible and engaging environment to improve your typing speed and accuracy.