Typing - Getting Started

Beginners should concentrate on developing the correct keystroke patterns. Thus several initial exercises are devoted to the home row keys.

When first starting, concentrate on using the correct finger to strike a key. Do not be overly concerned with errors. The beginner is not requested to retype one of the beginning exercises. Accuracy will improve with practice once the basic keystroke patterns are mastered.

In a classroom environment, the teacher could conduct a discussion with the learners regarding errors. An ideal time to do this is after the initial group of home row exercises.

Typing - Analyzing Errors

In a private learning environment, a modern typing program should have a means of monitoring and analyzing errors. Meaningful exercises for improving the identified deficiency should then be suggested.

Nimble Finger's programs have an "artificial intelligence" built in that performs a statistical analysis (the analysis is hidden so learners do not become nervous) to detect errors that might be attributed to poor posture.


Thus if errors tend to be clustered in the lower rows, the learner would be told that he/she is sitting too close and to move back. Likewise, upper row errors would result in a suggestion to move closer.



In the second session, learners should try to key a home row exercise at 20 wpm or greater. Again, don't worry about errors in the beginning exercises, just concentrate on using the correct finger to strike a key.

Most learners will soon be able to key the home row keys at greater than 20 words per minute. They can then proceed to the exercises on keys g and h. Students should not progress beyond keys "g" and "h" unless they are able to key the home row without looking at their hands. Then an introduction of keys, one key at a time, will build keyboarding skills.

Use the Correct Finger to Strike a Key

Various keyboarding programs use different techniques to prompt the learner to check that the correct finger is residing on its assigned key.

Typing Pictures - Finger Reaches

The Nimble Finger's programs use detailed pictures of each of the finger- keystroke reaches. We find that a picture is worth a thousand words. Learners then should look at picture and try to place their hands and fingers in the same position as shown on the screen.

After the home row is introduced and reinforced, each key is introduced one at a time. Each key has its own picture showing the correct finger position.

Whatever approach is taken, the learner should be prompted to follow the recommended finger – keystroke reach.

Touch Typing Tips

Set up a schedule.   Unless you establish a "schedule for learning" it is all to easy to find an excuse for not practicing. The Little Professor never promised you a rose garden. It takes practice to develop touch-keyboarding skills.

Do you have an extra fifteen minutes?   Then you can complete a couple of practice exercises. It might not sound like much, but you have helped develop your typing skills.

Think about what you just accomplished.   If you are not satisfied with an exercise, then re-key the exercise.

Check your hands.   Hands should slant at the same angle as the keyboard. Do not let your wrists become lazy and rest against the desk or keyboard.

Check your fingers.   Are your fingers curved? Strike each key with the pad of your finger, not your fingernail.

Move only the needed finger.   Train your fingers to stay on their assigned home row key. Pivot with the little or index finger for long reaches. Immediately return to the correct home row key.

Monitor your monitor.   Adjust the angle of your monitor to minimize glare. Tilt the angle of the screen or slightly darken the room.

Relax and stretch.   Periodically get up and move or stretch your neck, arm, and hand muscles to combat fatigue.

Be patient!   Speed and accuracy will occur once you have mastered the basic finger - keystroke reaches.

Whisper.   Whisper each letter as you use a quick stroke to strike and bounce off keys. Do not “press” or “mush down” on the key. Return your finger to the assigned home row location.

Posture.   Most people remember the importance of using the correct key reaches, but there is a tendency to forget the importance of posture. Sound skills will not develop with poor posture. If you don't sit up "straight” and keep your feet flat on the floor, the angle of your arms will change; thus changing the keystroke reach.