Project 1

Project 1: Learning the Alphanumeric and Symbol Keys

 

Error Types and Error Analysis

 

Some types of errors are very common. The following are some common error types.

 

Type 1: Opposite-hand Errors

 

This error type involves using the correct finger on the opposite hand. For example, if you wanted to type the letter ‘e’ with the middle finger of your left hand, but typed the letter ‘i’ with the middle finger of your right hand instead, you made a type of opposite-hand error called the e-i error.

 

If you find you are making opposite-hand errors, slow down when typing these keys and say each letter to yourself as you strike it.

 

Type 2: Side-by-side Character Errors

 

This type of error occurs when you strike a letter beside the one that should have been struck. Common examples of this type of error are m-n errors, r-t errors, and e-r errors. Again, if you find that you make certain side-by-side character errors, slow down when typing those keys and say each letter to yourself as you strike it.

 

Type 3: Transposition Errors

 

This type of error involves typing two letters in the opposite order. For example, typing thsi instead of this. Saying each letter to yourself as you strike it will help you overcome this error type.

 

Type 4: Concentration Errors

 

Some errors do not fit a specific category. They usually occur because you are not concentrating on what you are doing. Beginning typists must keep their minds on their work, thinking of each letter as it is struck. Other errors may occur because the reach is difficult for you.

 

You may correct errors during your timed writings by using the backspace or delete key. You’ll discover, though, that this will bring your typing speed down; but perfect accuracy will get you a better mark overall than typing fast with many errors. It is recommended that you correct errors as you complete your timed tests. Once you have completed a timed test, make sure you proofread your work and circle any errors that have not been corrected.

 

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!

 

 

Go to Time to Practise to practise error identification and speed calculations.

 

 

You will need your copy of your Project 1 Assessment to record your results for the timed writings. If you have already printed it out, great. If not, take a minute to print a copy of Project 1 Assessment.

 

You have now gained experience in identifying errors and timed writings. Your goal is to be able to type 30–50 wpm with no more than one error. Take a minute to look at the following reference chart, which includes evaluations for words per minute. How do you compare? If you are at the minimum goal already, great! If you need more practice, work on developing your speed.

 

REFERENCE CHART: KEYBOARDING AND NUMBER PAD RATES

Course	Keyboarding Rate		Number Pad Rate
	wpm*	Weighting	kpm†	Weighting
INF2020 text 2 min: SI ≤ 1.2–1.25 3 min: SI ≤ 1.3 max. 1 error on each numeric 1 min 1–3 digits 1 min 1–3 digits 1 min 1–4 digits max. 1 error on each	30	30/50	100–103	6/10
	31	31/50	104–107	6/10
	32	32/50	108–111	6/10
	33	33/50	112–115	7/10
	34	34/50	116–119	7/10
	35	35/50	120–123	7/10
	36	36/50	124–127	8/10
	37	37/50	128–131	8/10
	38	38/50	132–135	8/10
	39	39/50	136–139	9/10
	40	40/50	140–143	9/10
	41	41/50	144–147	9/10
	42	42/50	148–150	10/10
	43	43/50
	44	44/50
	45	45/50
	46	46/50
	47	47/50
	48	48/50
	49	49/50
	50	50/50

* wpm = words per minute

† kpm = keys per minute

 

When you are ready to move on, begin Project 2.

 

INF2020 Learn EveryWare © 2009 Alberta Education