Presents five articles that consider computer keyboarding instruction at the elementary school level. Highlights include keyboard familiarization techniques that do not require a computer; integrating keyboarding skills into the rest of the curriculum; and Type-Right, an inexpensive laptop computer dedicated to teaching keyboarding. (LRW)

Argues that an alphabetic approach to keyboarding with a high quality talking text is the best way to provide effective training in computer keyboarding skills for elementary school students. (SR)

Discusses benefits of keyboarding instruction for elementary school students, emphasizing the integration of keyboarding with language arts instruction. Traditional typing and computer-assisted instruction are discussed, six software packages for adapting keyboarding instruction to the classroom are reviewed, and suggestions for software selection…

Describes computer programs that effectively teach keyboarding skills to elementary school students. (MM)

Summarizes research findings on keyboarding instruction. Makes suggestions for teachers and administrative decision-makers regarding age for starting instruction, performance criteria, student attitudes, and other issues related to keyboarding instruction. (MM)

Discusses the pros and cons of teaching touch keyboarding in elementary schools. Indicates that business teachers favor it to prevent development of inefficient keyboarding habits, and elementary teachers argue that it conflicts with whole-language theory and developmental appropriateness. (JOW)

This study identified how elementary teachers use microcomputers in the classroom and how they perceive their role and needs in teaching keyboarding. A majority believe students should be taught the touch method; about half favor team teaching of keyboarding by business and elementary teachers. (JOW)

A learning style inventory and keyboarding pre/posttest administered to 48 fourth graders showed persistence to be the only learning style factor related to achievement. Pretest score was related to final achievement, indicating that natural kinesthetic ability may affect keyboarding speed. (SK)

Discussion of effective teaching methods for keyboarding skills in elementary schools focuses on a study that investigated the use of sensor-key caps. Results provided no evidence that the use of sensor-key caps improved keyboarding speed or accuracy over standard keys without the key caps. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the need for and the problems with teaching keyboarding to elementary school students, and the types of software necessary for meaningful instruction. (JC)

Discusses the problems of teaching very young students to keyboard well enough to use a computer effectively in composition. Suggests that there is sufficient software to teach keyboarding as young as the fourth grade, and that teachers who have typing skills can teach keyboarding to their students. (JC)

Responses from 51 percent of a national sample of 1,000 public school administrators found that a majority believe: keyboarding is a basic skill; third-grade students are not too young; elementary teachers can teach it without certification but with inservice training; and (4) it is easier to prepare elementary teachers than business education…

Three programs to help students learn proper keyboarding techniques are reviewed. (MT)

Discusses the differences between teaching keyboarding to elementary students and secondary students. Offers suggestions to business education teachers making the transition to elementary students. (JOW)

Describes the use of keyboarding instruction, without the use of computers, to improve the spelling skills of first grade students. Improvement in various ability groups is discussed, changes in student attitudes are described, and recommendations are given for teachers using the "Keyboard Success" text. (LRW)