Bellingham School District

Keyboarding

CHALLENGE: Develop proper keyboarding techniques and build or improve basic speed and accuracy.

TASK: Complete the Alphabetic Keyboard , Keyboarding Skill Builder, and Numeric Keypad sections of the MicroType program.

RESOURCES

• Network log on name
• MicroType 4 software program from South-Western Keyboarding
• H: drive or drive teacher recommends (for file saving)

ASSESSMENT

• The MicroType program measures/records your speed and accuracy.
• Performance points are based on the Timing Scale.
• Speed improvement is assessed for advanced keyboarders.
• Technique points are based on the Technique Rubric.
• MicroType documents work completed. Your points are based on the lessons checked off.
• Keyboarding Key Competencies

PROCEDURES

File and Password set up:

1. Open MicroType by selecting the Start button, then Programs, and find South-Western Keyboarding.
2. At the log on box click on New User.

3. Type in your first and last names.
4. Leave the Class ID box set to No Class Assigned.
5. Enter a password that you will remember. Your teacher may recommend a class password for everyone to use.

(Since you save to your H:drive folder, your MicroType files are secure.)

6. Leave Course Code box empty.
7. Click on the Data Path folder icon and browse to your H: drive, Tech Connections, Keyboarding folder.
8. Follow your teacher's instructions to begin your typing lessons.
9. Note that MicroType counts an error if you only use one space between sentences. It is current business office practice to use only one space after any form of punctuation, including periods that end the sentence.  Even though many English teachers agree with this standard, when practicing with MicroType, you should use two spaces between sentences to avoid increasing your error count.

Alphabetic Keyboarding:

1. Select the Alphabetic Keyboarding section
2. Select Lesson 1. The program begins with instructions about technique. Listen and read along. These are the techniques you will be graded on:
   • Touch control of the keyboard (using correct fingering on the keyboard)
   • Proper keyboarding techniques (DO NOT LOOK AT HANDS, sit up straight, feet flat on the floor, and fingers curved over home row).
3. Each lesson has a row of tabs at the bottom of the screen. You should begin with the first tab on your left and proceed to the tab on the right until all the tabs are checked off. The program actually prompts you to the next tab after you complete one. But, if you need to go back to finish a lesson you should click on the tab that has not been checked off. These instructions will become clearer as you work on the lessons.
4. Continue on through all the lessons until they are all checked off on the screen. Once you have finished this section, stop and have the teacher record it or ask for direction.

Keyboarding Skill Builder:

1. Begin the Keyboarding Skill Builder section after you have completed the Alphabetic Keyboarding section or upon teacher request. This section helps you improve your keyboarding skill, speed and accuracy.
2. Begin with Lesson A, completing the tabs in each lesson. You must finish a section in order to complete a report.
3. To see a report of your speed and accuracy on screen, select the Measurement Writing tab.
4. To print a report, select the Lesson Report tab, or go to Reports/Summary Report.
5. Your teacher will decide how to verify your speed and accuracy and determine that you have completed all the assignments.

Numeric Keypad:

1. Start this section early in the semester. You can alternate between keypad and keyboarding lessons.
2. The purpose of this section is to teach you the proper fingering on the keypad by touch (without looking at your fingers).
3. Hit the Num Lock key, located at the top of the keypad, on the right hand side of the keyboard. A light above the Num Lock word should appear. You must have this key turned on or the keypad will not work.
4. Begin with Lesson 1 and complete the tabs. (Be sure to read instructions on screen.)
5. Complete all lessons in this section and turn in a summary lesson report for credit.
6. Your teacher may give other supplemental lessons to improve your skill in this area.