Keyboarding Using Good Technique

Mrs. Ballard

What is Keyboarding?

The ability to enter text by using the correctfingers without looking at the keys (aka-touch

typing).

Having adequate keyboarding skills will enable you

to use the computer more effectively and be moreproductive.

We will continue to practice and develop your skills;

as well as, improve your speed and accuracy.

The Keyboard Layout

The central portion that consists of the alphanumeric keys

A smaller section to the right contains the numeric keypad

A small set of function and directional keys between the letters and the numeric keypad

A row of function keys across the top used for computer commands

The Keyboard Arrangement

The most common arrangement of keyboards is the QWERTY keyboard.

Technique

Maintain good postureKeep your body centered with the G/H keysKeep your wrists low but not touching the

keyboard or tableUse correct fingering based on the home row

keys keeping fingers curved and uprightKey at a steady paceKeep your copy at your sideKeep your eyes on your copyStay on task and have a positive attitude

toward improving your technique

Ergonomics

The science of designing equipment and workspace for a comfortable and safe working environment.

Well, maybe not quite this comfy.

                                                                  

Ergonomic Tips Top 1/3 of monitor should

be at eye level Elbows & knees should be

positioned at 90-110 degrees

Sit up straight, but relaxed Feet should be supported Sit at least 24 inches away

from the monitor Wrists should be in a

neutral position while typing or using the mouse

Take frequent breaks Avoid glare on the

computer screen

Body Position

Sit up straight, rear to the back of the seat

Face keyboard with body centeredSit at a comfortable distance from

the keyboardFeet flat on the floor, slightly apart

Arm Position

Hang elbows naturally near the sides of the body

Hold forearms parallel to the slant of the keyboard

Align keyboard with the edge of the desk

Hand Position

Fingers curved and uprightTips of fingers lightly touching keysHands are still while fingers reachWrists and palms are low, off the

keyboard

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is CTS?It is the entrapment of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. CTS occurs due to the swelling of the median nerve or the tendons of the wrist.

What causes CTS?It occurs from using the computer for hours without proper body posture and improper techniques.What are the symptoms of CTS?Pain- tingling – numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers – weakness and swelling of the wrist and hand

DeQuervain’s Disease

DeQuervain’s Disease is an overuse injury of the thumb extensor tendons. It often occurs from repetitive tapping of the space bar.

Eyes

Off of the keyboard at all times.Either on the screen or what you are

typing from.

Keystroking

Hold anchors while reaching to the upper and lower keys

Fingers are slightly curved over home row position

Make quiet, direct reaches with quick return to home row

Maintain an even keystroking pace

Correct Fingering

Key each key with the correct fingerNotice diagonal design of the keyboard

Homerow Keys

A S D F J K L ;

Left P

inky

Left R

ing

Left M

iddle

Left Index

Thumbs

Right

Pinky

Right R

ing

Right

Middle

Right

Index

a s d f j k l ;

Spacing

Key the space bar with the thumb of the right hand

Sweeping motion, into the palm of the right hand

Line Spacing Review

Standard Paper Size: 8 ½ x 11 inches

There are 66 lines per page.Six lines equals one vertical inch.

Line Spacing: the spacing between lines of text

Single Spacing (SS)-Enter one timeDouble Spacing (DS)-Enter two timesTriple Spacing (TS)-Enter three timesQuadruple Spacing (QS)-Enter four times

Shift

Shift with the correct fingerHold shift key down while striking key with

the opposite handImmediately return finger to home row

after releasing shift

Return/Enter

Use little finger of right hand to strike the enter key

Immediately return finger to home row after releasing enter

Keep j finger anchored

“I am trying to get the hang of this new fangled writing machine, but I am not making a shining success of it. However, this is the first attempt I ever have made,and yet I perceive that I shall soon & easily acquire a fine facility in its use…One chiefly needs swiftness in banging the keys…”

(Mark Twain’s first typewritten letter. December 9, 1874)

A quote to leave you with…