Applying Pink's Research to Keyboarding Instruction

Keyboarding Proficiency

Part One

In a recent article, keyboarding was named one of the top ten skills students in the 21st century need to learn.

Keyboarding is considered an algorithmic task, and when it comes to keyboarding, Daniel Pink, author of Drive, states, “Only routine, algorithmic tasks benefit to a degree from "if-then," "carrot/stick" rewards.  Those tasks also profit when people understand the "rationale for the task," "acknowledge that the task is boring," and are allowed to complete the task in their own way.”

Hence, when it comes to proficiency in keyboarding, we need to consider the following questions:

1.     What’s the best way for you to master this task?

Student Ideas:
Go to typing school, play typing games.
Practice.
Do something you enjoy while keyboarding like playing games.
Find a fun game.
Find a words you like and practice typing those.
To get better do your own level; then if you get better you can move up.

2.     Is the BBC program the best program for you?

Student Ideas:
The finish line comes too soon.
I like "All the Right Type" better.
If you're flying through it, it's too easy--do something just right for you.
Try "Microsoft Word" to practice typing words you like.
Try "Typing Pal" if it's online
Look for programs that are just right for you online.

3.     What do we consider mastery?


Student Ideas:
You passed all levels, and you're really fast.
Your "fluent" in typing.
You're typing the same speed as you read, think and write on paper.
You don't make many mistakes.
When you get to write an essay easily and quickly.

4.     When do we decide that you’ve mastered the task, and it’s time to move on to something else (what will that something else be)?

Student Ideas:
Write two paragraphs with getting three or less wrong.
Writing an essay without any help.
Spell words online.
Copy a list on Word.
30-45 words per minute with five or less mistakes (45 wpm seems like min. standard)
Look for online tests.

5.     How can teachers, parents and other students help you to master this task?

6.     What are the best “carrot-stick” rewards for this task?

We’ll talk about these questions tomorrow.


Part Two (to be continued. . .)

1. Practice every night 10-20 minutes.
2. Using tips from notes above.
3. We'll talk about this again next week, and make some decisions related to the questions above.

Keyboarding Links

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