Orientation
1. Orientation
1.2. Learner Expectations
Orientation
Learner Expectations
This course requires you to create and save activities that you develop with your word-processing software. It is suggested that you create a Course Folder on your computer to store all of the files you create as you work through the Keyboarding course. You should also keep a printed copy of your documents that show evidence of speed calculation or error identification, in case your teacher asks to see them.¬â€
To achieve success in this course, be sure to read all of the instructions carefully and work slowly through the material. Remember, it’s the work and practice you do that will prepare you for the assignments and the testing. Set realistic goals for yourself each day and stick to them. Do your work regularly and don’t forget to check your work before attempting your assignments. A final timed keyboarding test will be performed as part of your assessment. Careful work habits will greatly increase your chances for success in Keyboarding!
Professionalism
You will be expected to perform your work in a professional manner. You will be expected to assume a professional attitude and take the route that will lead you to the goals required for Keyboarding.
Professionalism includes practising every day. Proofreading your work and ensuring you are using proper posture and technique is important. Being honest in completing forms for reporting to your teacher is also part of the professional attitude expected in this course.
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Checking In
You will be required to communicate regularly with your teacher. Constant communication with your teacher lets him or her know how you are progressing and allows you to discuss concerns or issues you may be having. Communication can happen in the form of e-mails, phone calls, and so on—whatever suits you best.
Timelines
Suggested times are based on a 25-hour total. However, you may be able to complete this course in less time or it may take you a little longer. It should not take more than 32 hours. Check with your teacher to discuss timelines.
Course Outline
Orientation
Project 1—Learning the Alphanumeric and Symbol Keys
- Training Room 1: Calculating Your Speed
Project 2—Learning the Numeric Keypad
- Training Room 2: Developing Speed and Accuracy
Project 3—Final Project
Assessment
Keyboarding introduces most of the keys on the alphanumeric keypad and all of the keys on the numeric keypad. Each key will be introduced by having you do several drills. Beginning drills involve “nonsense” words (letter combinations rather than actual words). The typing of actual words and paragraphs follows. When sufficient drill work has been completed, you will be encouraged to participate in a speed test and monitor your development.
After the keys have been learned, and your desired speed has been reached, you will be given timed writing assignments to submit for assessment. Finally, you will complete a final timed test that will be used as assessment for the course.
Make sure you complete all assessment documents and have your teacher sign them.
Error Management
You may correct errors during your timed tests by using the Backspace or Delete key. You will discover, though, that this will bring your typing speed down. Perfect accuracy will get you a better mark overall than typing fast with many errors. It is recommended that you correct errors as you type.
Don’t feel self-conscious about your keyboarding errors. Submitting work with errors in it gives your teacher the opportunity to analyze your error types and to give you suggestions for improving your typing accuracy and technique. It’s all part of the learning process. You are a beginning typist—you are supposed to make mistakes!