The Education World Tech Team shares its picks of the best software programs for classroom use. In this article, our experts reveal their choices for keyboarding software. Don't miss the rest of this multi-part Ed World series: Load 'Em Up: The Best Software in the Education World!
Keyboarding software is used, quite simply, for teaching keyboarding. From among the programs recommended for this category, only Type to Learn received more than one recommendation. We awarded Type to Learn the "gold star," therefore, both for the number and enthusiasm of its fans and for its reputed ability to engage and instruct younger students.
Microsoft Works is available only for Windows. Type to Learn, KidKeys, and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing are available for both Windows and Macintosh.
The Gold Star rating was determined by considering each program's total score along with the number of recommendations submitted for the program and the tenor of reviewers' comments about it.
* based on results from a single evaluator
Add Your Vote!
The reviews and recommendations in this article represent the opinions of only our Tech Team experts. If you would like to add your rating to theirs, or if you want to rate and review another productivity program's suitability for classroom use, e-mail me at lstarr@educationworld.com.
WHAT THEY SAID
The Best Software in the Education World!
Click a category below to learn which software programs our Tech Team members recommended and how they rated the quality, performance, and usefulness of each!
"We use Type to Learn and love it," Karen Kelly tells Education World. "My second graders do it for morning work, and they think it's great fun. First, they do a lesson that teaches them two new letters; then they can choose from several different games focusing on speed and accuracy. Type to Learn is easy for my students to use, and several parents have purchased it for their homes.
"I like it," Kelly adds, "because I can print out progress reports that give me accuracy and speed scores and let me know who has finished what lessons. With this program, I definitely see a difference in students' typing speed and accuracy."
"We use Type to Learn in grades 2 to 5 for its network capabilities and record keeping capabilities," Libby Adams notes. "In K-2, however, we use KidKeys" to introduce children to the keyboard and letters."
SOFTWARE SPECIFICS
Name:KidKeys Manufacturer:Sunburst.com Available Platforms: Windows, Macintosh Approximate Price: $79.95 Grade Level: Pre-K-2
