Typing Skills are Important; Learn Them for Free with TypeDojo

In writing this post, I was compensated for my time, but  all opinions expressed are my own.

I remember sitting in the school computer lab learning to type. Home computers weren't extremely common, and the worldwide web was brand new. Given that and the fact that I wanted to be a veterinarian, I didn't take typing too seriously. Little did I realize how prevalent it would become in nearly every career path!

Being homeschooled my kids don't have a computer lab to learn to type in. Maybe schools don't even formally teach typing now since everyone runs around with tablets and smart phones, but it remains an important skill for life. In fact, typing is one skill, even I could benefit from improving.

Why Typing is Important

I already mentioned that computers are everywhere now. There are very few careers that require or at least benefit from the ability to type. And even if your kids happen to be heading into one that doesn't, they will likely find typing useful when writing various reports during their upper levels of school.

Here are a few reasons to emphasize good typing skills:

• Improved productivity. Being able to type without watching your hands allows your brain to focus on the topic you are typing about. This can lead to increased productivity, whether you're working on a school assignment, a work project, or even just sending a quick email. Plus the faster and more accurately you can type the even more productive you can be. 
• Enhanced communication. So much of our communication is electronically through emails, social media, or online posts like this blog. Or even just communicating with your future self through notes you have typed up, being able to type quickly and accurately can make it easier to stay connected with your life.
• Greater fluency. When you need to have clear communication you need both of the above benefits. You need the speed and accuracy that comes with typing practice as well as the capacity to focus on what you are writing to ensure it is easily understood. This can be especially important if you're working on a project such as a research paper or a business proposal.

Improve Typing Skills with TypeDojo

If your kids (or even you) are not already proficient typists, the main way to improve your skills is practice!

TypeDojo is an online touch typing program available to aid all typing levels; plus it's free!

Learning with TypeDojo

• Start with the basics. When you start, you need to learn the basic keyboard layout including the location of all the letters and numbers on the keyboard. TypeDojo has four levels of typing lessons starting with basics. This level goes through each letter location and shows you which finger should be typing it. 

• Take the Typing Speed Test. If your kids are already familiar with typing and just needing to work on speed, start with TypeDojo's speed test. This will let them know what level they are starting at, and they can watch their improvement! 
• Practice regularly. Like everything, the more you practice typing the better you will become. After conquering the basic level you can move through beginner which covers keys in their rows, intermediate which goes over words, and finally advanced which has sample paragraphs for you to practice typing. 
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning to type. The important thing is to keep practicing and learn from your mistakes. TypeDojo counts your mistakes (accuracy) and words per minute. Unfortunately, it does not allow for you to self correct by back spacing. For kids just learning this is likely not a reflex, but for us older learners it takes some getting used to.
• Have fun! Learning to type can even be fun with TypeDojo! After learning where the keys are, TypeDojo offers a variety of online typing games where kids (or fun loving adults) can practice their typing skills.

TypeDojo Online Typing Test

Once you feel confident in your child's typing have them give the typing test a try! 

TypeDojo's English Typing Test measures how well you are typing in both speed and accuracy, but it also allows you to continue practicing in a variety of areas including words for specific grades, numbers, and symbols. 

Meanwhile TypeDojo's Typing Speed Tests will measure both speed and accuracy in a minute given a random passage to type. 

With both tests, you will have the ability to print a certificate after the test to show exactly how your students have improved. As they continue to practice have them take additional tests to document their progress. 

Big Benefits of TypeDojo

• One benefit we can all agree on is the price. TypeDojo Touch Typing lessons and games are free! There is not even a paid option. Please be aware this does mean there are ads, so stay close if your little one hasn't learned to navigate on a computer. Many times my youngest accidently clicked one and couldn't figure out how to get back. 

• Another benefit is that you do not need an account. You can make one, and if you want to track multiple students, each student needs one, but they are not essential. You can note where your student leaves off for the day if they are doing lessons. If they are just practicing through games, they can just choose a new one each day. 

• And of course, the organization of the lessons is a great benefit as well. They are laid out in a logical order that builds in skill level making it easy for anyone to work their way through. 

With online typing lessons through TypeDojo there is no reason for any child to not be able to type. And take it from me, just because they may think it will be unnecessary for their future, doesn't mean they're right because even veterinarians need to be able to type.