I think it is a sort of literacy that needs to be ulilised not so we, as teachers, can tick a box to say students can touch type but so they can use technology more efficiently to complete everything else they need to.

I remember learning to touch type, and it was a lot of practice so that the movements occur without thought. There are some really good touch typing programs out there… google some Clare, you can teach yourself really. The programs are like games… I’ll admit I still enjoy doing it every now and then!

Ellie, I remember my first experience with a computer and the internet at school in year 6 and I was similiar to you!

The one finger typer seems to be an epidemic! But I’m glad to hear a small reminder was all it took for the student to endeavour to work more efficiently and ergonomically!
I believe students can learn a lot by themselves but I think that some explicit instruction or motivation/guidance is needed to facilitate students.

great thoughts on touch typing!!! I think we do need to teach handwriting and touch-typing simultaneously. However, as a person who can not touch type my being able to teach this skill may be very difficult. Perhaps if we were given lessons in this form of technology use then maybe we would feel more confident in teaching students to improve their computer skills particularly in the area of touch typing!!!

Amy, I would love for you to take some time to fill out my teacher survey on my word press site. ckelaher.wordpress.com

Yet, I think young students today ARE capable of learning touch-typing skills, as they are using computers in school from Kindy. Last week I watched a student type with one finger only, and it was only a matter of saying, ‘try use both hands to type’, and she already improved!

I also think students will naturally develop touch-typing skills in time. They’ll discover it sure is easier!