I stumbled across this free typing program recently, and it’s the best I’ve seen to date.  It’s not a “typing tutor” in the traditional sense of the word, but I think using a piece of software is actually better for this particular subject than using a traditional tutor (more on why below)

It’s called the Online Typing Tutor from TypingWeb.

As you can see it provides a nice diagram while you are typing to help you use the right finger, track your progress, and identify problem areas.  It also runs completely in your web browser so there is nothing to install.

If you’re like me you don’t use the full range of fingers for typing and this slows you down.  You can imagine the two extremes as being the “hunt-and-peck” method with your two index fingers (the slowest) all the way to using all 10 fingers on the right keys (the fastest).  Most of us are somewhere in between and need to get closer to all 10 fingers.  This program does a great job of helping you accomplish that.

What are the benefits of learning to type correctly?

• For students with messy handwriting this can be a crutch to turn in readable homework
• For students with dysgraphia or dyslexia using a computer can (sometimes) be a great help, especially with spell check to ensure proper spelling and learn correct spellings over time.  I personally find that spell check helps me learn correct spelling, and doesn’t discourage it as I’ve heard from others, but everyone’s experience is probably different.
• Perhaps the greatest benefit is that with some practice most people can type much faster than they can write by hand.  How much faster?  At least 300%.  From a productivity point of view, there is no reason you should ever write a homework assignment by hand ever again.  The exceptions are subjects like math and science which require diagramming and obscure symbols which are difficult to type.

You don’t have to create an account to try out Typing Tutor (just click “start typing” in the button right on the intro screen), but if you do it can be helpful because it will track your progress and identify which areas you seem to have the most trouble with.

It also provides with you a handy report at the end of each lesson (which range from very simple up to advanced) to show how you’re doing.

Occasionally people seek out typing tutors (the traditional human kind) to help them improve in this area.  It’s a subject which doesn’t lend itself well to tutoring well in my opinion.  The tutor can add little additional value after the first half hour or so, going over the basics and getting the student started on practice.  The real benefit comes from the student doing exercises on their own, and for that they can simply use a free program such as this.

Definitely check out the free Online Typing Tutor from TypingWeb if you or your students would like to start improving in this area.

What has been your experience with typing assignment versus writing them by hand?  Are there any other tools which you’ve found especially helpful?

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