Have you ever wanted to type on the keyboard easily and with speed? Doesn't it seem rather difficult to copy texts from paper to keyboard if you have to constantly shift your gaze from the paper to the keys? Do you want to impress your peers with impressive quick typing skills?
Typing is the ability to type quickly, without having to look at the keyboard.
And, it doesn't matter if you are 6 or 90, if you know how to use the keyboard you can learn to type. This is a guide for anyone using a 'QWERTY' keyboard.
Steps
Step 1. Find the key keys
These are the most important keys used when typing - they are the ones that allow you to orient yourself on the keyboard. There are different keys for the different fingers.
- For the left hand - Place the little finger on the 'A' key, the ring finger on the 'S' key, the middle finger on the 'D' key and the index finger on the 'F'.
- For the right hand - Place your little finger on the ';' (semicolon); [Some keyboards have the 'o' in its place] the ring finger on the 'L' key, the middle finger on the 'K' key and the index finger on the 'J'.
- The thumbs. Place both thumbs on the space bar, but aligning them so they're just below the key on which each index finger rests.
Step 2. Move your index fingers to the bottom of the 'F' and 'J' keys - you should feel small raised notches. These notches have been placed to be able to quickly locate where the key keys are
So, if you are confused trying to touch any key, you don't have to look at the keyboard, just feel the notches. The key keys are very important - as soon as you move a finger, for example, you use your left middle finger (the key 'D') to type a letter (for example 'E'), after using it you must immediately put that finger back into the its original location. This is just a general rule, but it allows you to keep your fingers "in order" rather than randomly all over the keyboard.
Before typing a new key, put your finger back in its original position. This will let you know where you are each moment on the keyboard and it will be much easier for you to move around the keys. It may seem a little unnatural at first, but it will become second nature to you once you practice
Step 3. How do you know which finger to use for each key?
The answer is simple! Return your fingers to their original position on their key keys. Each basic key has a key key both above and below.
- For example the basic 'A' key has the 'Q' key on the top row, and the 'Z' key below. So, if you have to type 'quickly', you should use the left little finger to type 'Q', the index finger of the right hand the 'U' key, the middle finger of the right hand the "I" key, the index of the left hand the key "C", the middle finger of the right hand types the key "K" (which is already a key key, so it must not make any movement), the right ring finger types the 'L' (also here, it is already a key key so you don't have to move all your fingers to get to this letter) and finally, you use your right index finger for the 'Y' key.
- So which fingers do you use for keys that aren't directly above or below the key keys? These letters are the 'Y', 'H', 'G', 'T' and 'B'. Just use the index finger that comes closest to that key! So, you can use the right index finger to press the 'Y' key and the left index finger for the 'T'.
- Indexes are used a lot, but not for all letters! You have to use all your fingers, and it may still seem unnatural, but all it takes is some time to get used to this technique.
Step 4. Practice Makes Perfect
Try closing your eyes, put your fingers on the key keys (remember to look for the notches where the index fingers are positioned on 'F' and 'J'!) Type your first and last name on a blank Word document. Open your eyes, take a look and see if you have come close … or how far you are still from the exact text! Keep doing this exercise until you reach the correct result. Then, start typing simple sentences, like "The boy ate the apple".
- If you feel the need to look at the screen, cover your hands with a towel so you won't be tempted. When you lose this habit, try typing yourself!
- Do your best. Do not give up! It can be irritating if you keep making some mistakes, but keep your head up. Therefore? If you keep practicing consistency, in a couple of months you will become an expert and laugh at the memory of your old clumsy typing!
Step 5. Download programs from the internet to improve your skills
If there are any free trial demos or copies of professional programs, don't hesitate to give them a try! They can help you a lot and often offer you spaces to do your exercises. Try some free online typing tutors that offer different types of courses for all skill levels.
Advice
- When typing, keep your back straight and your head facing the screen. Don't peek at the letters!
- Once you are familiar with the keyboard, try writing short stories blindfolded, using the typing method! It's fun and it's a very good practice.
- As you learn to type faster, you will find that you prefer to use several fingers for different letters. Don't feel compelled to use the fingers "assigned" to each letter.
- The QWERTY keyboard is the keyboard that, in the top row of letters, has the characters "'Q' 'W', 'E', 'R', 'T', 'Y'.
- Don't look at the keyboard! Use a small towel, such as a tea towel, to put on your hands, to avoid looking where the key buttons are. Remember to keep your eyes on the screen, and go ahead!
- Keep track of how many words you type per minute. If you use an online typing program or site, it should calculate the accuracy and how many words you can type on average per minute. Record the data on an excel spreadsheet or notebook. Reward yourself if you notice big improvements.
Warnings
- Don't press the keys too hard - it's not good for the keyboard; if you hit them hard they can come off! Press gently!
- Be careful when downloading websites - some can be dangerous and carry viruses! Make sure your computer is well protected with an antivirus.
