What to Look For In Your Typing Software
Typing software has been around just about as long as computers have been, it is the new standard for teaching people to type from the very young to adults and seniors who may want to learn a new skill or improve an old one. Typing software is available from a number of software companies, It is important to find the software that fits your needs best they are not all the same and what you will choose will have a lot to do with what your goals are.
Whether you are choosing software to help your kids learn to type or you are choosing typing software that is meant to help you improve your speed, the software package you choose should be able to offer you the tools you need to do so. Because there are so many packages out there and many of them are geared to one specific task take the time to decide what your goal really is. If you want to learn to type and improve your speed so you can get a job then it is essential to purchase a comprehensive package that will help you to do so. Even those that plan to only surf the internet or write an occasional email will benefit from learning to type with the use of typing software.
Fortunately typing software is not expensive, and you can get a great suite of typing tools that will help you to either learn to type for the first time or will help you to improve typing skills that you already have for a reasonable prices. If you can find a one size fits all typing program then you will be able to use it from beginner to advance and everyone in your home will be able to also learn how to type.
A good typing software will start by assessing your skill, if you cannot type at all, you will let the typing program know that, or if you can type it will run a series of tests that will assess things such as your speed and where your weak spots are. The typing software will use this information to customize a program for you that will focus not just on your speed but improving your accuracy as well. It will pinpoint the areas where you need the most work and will help you to improve those areas, which will contribute to your overall speed and accuracy.
As you progress the typing software will continue to assess your abilities, this means that you are always progressing and getting better, sometimes without you even knowing it. Typing software should make the process of learning not a drudgery to be endured, this means that you should have interesting things to type but also a few games thrown in to help break up the monotony, a good program will offer a wide range of exercises and games to ensure that you never get bored and progress through the lessons effortlessly.
While you want a typing program that will progress as you improve, it is equally as important that it can identify when you are struggling and need a bit more work. A good program will be intuitive enough to offer you similar lessons and exercises that will reinforce the lessons you may be struggling with.
As good typing software might be, for small children a program made just for them may be an easier way to get them excited about typing. Fun cartoon characters and age appropriate lessons can keep kids from getting bored or overwhelmed with the typing process and make learning to type a natural progression. Games can break up the lessons and make it more fun to learn to type, as well as rewards for working hard at the lessons. These programs are great for parents that want their kids to have a head start on this very important skill or for those that are homeschooling their children. Typing software is appropriate for children as young as 7 years old, and can ensure that by the time your child reaches middle school they know how to type and can make the most out of their time on the computer.
Broderbund has been offering typing software to the computer community for longer than anyone else. Their award winning Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing has taught several generations of kids, teens and adults how to type and has helped them turn their typing into a marketable skill.