Project 1
1. Project 1
Project 1: Learning the Alphanumeric and Symbol Keys
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While Rikea enjoyed her piano lessons, she didn’t always enjoy the many hours of practice that were required. There was always room for improvement in speed, rhythm, accuracy, and technique on the piano keyboard. However, Rikea had determination. Today she is an accomplished concert pianist.
Like Rikea, you’ll gain proficiency on a keyboard that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Keyboarding will introduce you to the alphanumeric keys, service keys, and punctuation keys, as well as to the numeric keypad. It is the goal of this section to get you touch typing at a speed of 30–50 words per minute on the alphanumeric keypad, with no more than one uncorrected error, and 100–150 keystrokes per minute on the numeric keypad on four one- to four-digit numbers, with no more than one uncorrected error.
If it seems you are not doing as well as you would like, don’t give up. Persevere. If you do a little each day, you’ll eventually reach the goal you desire, just like Rikea.
In this project you will learn about properly setting up your computer workstation. You will read about ergonomics, and you will be given tips and shown images and video demonstrations to help you set up a proper workstation. You will be introduced to the alphanumeric keys on the alphanumeric keypad. You will learn their reaches and practise the correct finger to use on those keys. You will also be introduced to punctuation keys—such as commas and periods—and some service keys—such as Enter, Delete, and Backspace. When you are familiar with the keys and the reaches, you will take some time to practise the keys. When you feel ready, you will perform some timed writings with your teacher observing. You will then discuss your results in comparison to performance standards. Your teacher will give you guidance, help you determine your speed and accuracy, and give you feedback on your typing technique.
Project Assessment(s)
In this project, you will be assessed in these areas:
- touch typing skills—completing a number of exercises and timed writing tests
- touch typing technique—addressed through workstation routines and the completion of a technique assessment
- basic competencies developed in your learning of the alphanumeric keypad
Skill Level
In Keyboarding your goal is to touch type at a speed of between 30–50 words per minute on the alphanumeric keypad and 100–150 keys per minute on the numeric keypad, with no more than one uncorrected error. The lengths of timings for this section are two and three minutes. Check the assessment documents to see where your skill level falls.
Estimated Required Time
In order to properly develop your touch typing skills on the alphanumeric keypad and the numeric keypad, you should commit to daily learning and memorization of the keys. You may need to spend some time practising the key locations and doing practice timed tests until you feel confident that your skill level matches the assessment requirements of this course. Most of the time you will spend in this course will be practice time. This project will take you somewhere between 10 and 15 hours, which includes covering course material, practising, completing exercises and self-checks, and communicating with your teacher.
Environmental Impact
To save on electricity, make sure you turn off your computer and everything on your workstation when you are finished practising.