Keyboarding instruction: Comparison of techniques for improved keyboarding skills in elementary students

ABSTRACT

Using computers and keyboarding skills for written communication have been common adaptations recommended by occupational therapists which are now important for all students. We used a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test design to examine the effectiveness of a developmentally based curriculum, Keyboarding Without Tears®, as compared to free web-based activities for learning keyboarding skills in students (general and special education) in grades kindergarten through fifth. Overall, students learning the developmentally based curriculum demonstrated improved speed and accuracy, especially in the upper elementary grades and improved keyboarding method in the lower elementary grades as compared to the free web-based activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Occupational therapy
• keyboarding
• elementary school

Conflict of interest statement

The research being reported in this publication was supported by Learning Without Tears. Denise Donica and Peter Giroux are part time employees of Learning Without Tears, which is developing products related to the research being reported. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by East Carolina University in accordance with its policy on objectivity in research.