Standards and Objectives
HIGHER STANDARDS REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN KEYBOARDING SKILLS
Technology and keyboarding expectations have increased due to the future adoption of the Common Core State Standards. According to the English/Language Arts standards, by the end of grades 3, 4, and 5, students will be expected to:
- Grade 3: With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
- Grade 4: With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
- Grade 5: With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a sitting.
NEW STATE ASSESSMENT REQUIRES GREATER TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Students will begin as early as kindergarten to gain technology literacy skills. By the time students are in fourth and fifth grades, they will have exposure to the touch keyboarding technique and will be expected to type 15-20 words per minute. See the below chart for a summary of grade level expectations. The elementary school will be working toward providing support for both staff and students to meet these keyboarding words per minute goals.
Grade Level
Words per Minute Goal*
3rd Grade - 10 wpm
4th Grade- 15 wpm
5th Grade - 20 wpm
Grade Level
Words per Minute Goal*
3rd Grade - 10 wpm
4th Grade- 15 wpm
5th Grade - 20 wpm
Correct Keyboarding Technique
In order to develop optimal keyboarding speed and accuracy, students need to use proper technique. Not only does proper keyboarding technique help develop skill but it also helps prevent the development of RSI (repetitive stress injury, more commonly known as carpal tunnel). What constitutes correct keyboarding technique?
Correct keyboarding technique requires proper positioning at the computer keyboard, using correct hand position and learning to key by touch thus enabling eyes to remain on the copy rather than watching fingers.
Correct keyboarding technique requires proper positioning at the computer keyboard, using correct hand position and learning to key by touch thus enabling eyes to remain on the copy rather than watching fingers.
Correct Technique Criteria• Keep eyes on printed copy.
• Center body to the "H" key with elbows at sides. • Curve fingers over the home keys. - ASDF - JKL: • Keep wrists off the keyboard. • Sit up straight. • Position feet on floor for balance (don't cross). • Key by touch. Tap on each key crisply but lightly. |
Keyboarding technique in the elementary school is to be evaluated using the following criteria.
3
2 1 |
Mastery
Near Mastery Limited Mastery |
The student knows the keys and keys by touch
The student will key by touch with more practice The student depends on looking at the keys |
Kindergarten
• Know correct keyboarding technique
• Right and left hand identification • Letter and number identification on keyboard |
1st Grade
|
2nd Grade
|
3rd Grade
|
4th Grade - 5th Grade
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