IX : MASTERING IN TYPING

Touch typing is a method of typing without using the sense of sight to find the keys. Specifically, a touch typist will know their location on the keyboard through muscle memory. Touch typing typically involves placing the eight fingers in a horizontal row along the middle of the keyboard (the home row) and having them reach for other keys. Touch typing can be done using two hands or possibly only with one.

A touch typist starts by placing his or her fingers on the “start position” in the middle row and knows which finger to move and how much to move it for reaching any required key. Learning typically includes first printing exercises containing only letters on or near the standard position and then gradually mastering other rows. It is important to learn placing fingers into the start position blindly as the hands are frequently raised from the keyboard to operate the line feed lever (in the past) or (more recently) the computer mouse. The keys F and J frequently contain some surface features that allow the typist to recognize them by touch alone, thus removing the need to look down at the keys to reset yourself at the home row.

Typing speed generally improves with practice. The typing speed can be increased gradually and speeds of 60 WPM or higher can be achieved. The rate of speed increase varies between individuals. Many websites and software products (e.g. Rapid Typing Tutor) are available to learn touch typing and many of these are free.

Touch Typing Technique

Touch typing improves typing speed and accuracy. A touch typist never looks at the keyboard. The fingers hit the right keys by force of habit. The typist is entirely focused on the text being typed, reading the words and phrases as the fingers type the text reflexively. Touch typing can be learned by performing special exercises.

Stage one of the process begins with learning the home row of the keyboard (the row beginning with the Caps Lock key). Looking at the keyboard is strictly forbidden. This is followed by learning the lower and upper rows, the numbers row, upper-case letters and special symbols.

Stage two involves memorizing frequently used syllables and typing words containing these syllables.

Stage three involves typing actual text to perfect the skills acquired.

Ø  The F, D, S, A, and J, K, L,; keys (on a QWERTY keyboard) represent the base position. Keyboards usually have small protrusions on the F and J keys. They help your fingers locate the base position without looking at the keyboard. Try to return your fingers to the base position after each keystroke.

Ø  The base position on the numeric pad is the number 5 key for the middle finger, 4 for the index finger, and 6 for the ring finger. The numeric pad simplifies and speeds up numerical data input.

Ø  Upper-case letters and symbols appearing on keys in the numbers row are typed by one hand with the little finger of the other hand holding down the SHIFT key.

Ø  Do not look at the keyboard. Try to locate the right key with your fingers.

Ø  While at the computer, sit straight (see the picture above) Always remember to keep your back straight.

Ø  Keep your elbows bent at the right angle.

Ø  Face the screen with your head slightly tilted forward.

Ø  There should be at least 50-80 cm of distance between your eyes and the screen. In other words, your outstretched arm should barely touch the screen.

Ø  The optimum height of the tabletop or under-desk keyboard drawer is 68 to 73 cm from the floor.

Ø  The chair and table height should be chosen so as to expose the shoulder, arm, and wrist muscles to the least possible strain. The wrists can touch the tabletop in front of the keyboard. Never shift even a portion of your body weight to the wrists by resting on them.

Advice for successful touch typing practice

Ø  Do not rush at the early stages of learning. High speed makes sense only when the fingers can hit the right keys by force of habit. Take your time when typing to avoid mistakes. The speed will pick up as you progress.

Ø  You should establish and maintain a rhythm while typing. This means that keystrokes should come at equal intervals.

Ø  Hit keys only with the fingers for which they have been reserved.

Ø  Limit your hand and finger movement only to what is necessary to press a specific key. Keep your hands and fingers close to the base position. This improves typing speed and reduces stress on the hands.

Ø  Don’t look at the keys when you type. Just slide your fingers around until they find the home row marking.

Ø  Don’t hammer on the keys. Try using the minimum force possible.

Ø  To switch between upper/lower case always use the opposite hand.

Exercise

Using your left hand type

asdf asdf asdf asdf asdf asdf asdf asdf asdf asdf

fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa fdsa

Using your right hand type

jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl; jkl;

Using your both hand type

fd fds fdsa jk jkl jkl; fd fds fdsa jk jkl jkl; fd fds fdsa jk jkl jkl;

Using your both hands type

gh gh gh gh gh gh gh gh gh gh gh gh gh

Stretch your Left index finger up/out to T (look on the keyboard) and type:

th th th th th th th th ght ght ght ght ght ght ght

Using your left hand type

deed frrf deer reed red deed frrf deer reed red deed frrf deer reed red free freed fred feed fed free freed fred feed fed free freed fred feed fed

Using your right hand type

juuj kiik juj kik juuj kiik juj kik juuj kiik juj kik juuj kiik juj kik

Using you both hands type

juut jut jute kiit kit kite juut jut jute kiit kit kite juut jut jute kiit kit kite jud judder jug jugger judge judged juud judder jug jugger judge judged igh high thigh ight fight right fright igh high thigh ight fright right fright