April 9, 2017 Edutyping

I somehow got very out of the habit of posting here every day and no one scolded me. I hope you are reading, at least sometimes.

A parent asked me about edutyping goals, so I thought I would tell everyone. Here is the district dictate to teachers:

Grade 5 - Student is able to perform the following tasks while using a typing software:

• use the program without looking at the keyboard (use keyboard skin or cover)
• use proper hand placement: both hands on the keyboard, correct fingers on the home row, thumb(s) resting on space bar.
• assume good posture (sitting up straight, feet flat on the floor if possible)
• compose at least one page (about 500 words) on the computer in a 25 minute sitting
• practice at least two sessions per week for 12 to 18 weeks at 15+ minutes per session
• Standard
• Substantially below proficient: 0 – 14 WPM or less than 80% accuracy
• Partially proficient:  15 – 20 WPM and at least 80% accuracy
• Proficient:  20-30 WPM and at least 85% accuracy
• Proficient with distinction: 31 or more WPM and at least 90% accuracy

This translates to 4.5 to 6 hours per year on edutyping. The real goal is to type competently to help with writing.

I am asking students to spend 10-20 minutes per week on edutyping lessons (not games - but those are good too.) Students do not need to do more than a half hour per week which should look like 10 minutes per day for three days.