Are you a middle school computer applications teacher looking for new typing curriculum resources? As proficient typing is becoming a must for employers, teachers are being put under more pressure to teach keyboarding, but are often unsure of which resource they should use.
Since we work with many computer applications teachers across the US, teachers often ask us questions like: “Do you have keyboarding curriculum?” and “Does Business&ITCenter21 have middle school keyboarding lessons along with the other computer applications curriculum?”
While we have a supplemental module to teach keyboarding, we want to share some more full-fledged options that you should review for use in your classroom.
In this article, you'll discover three popular middle school typing resources teachers like you use in their classes:
- TypingClub
- Typing.com
- EasyTech from Learning.com
After reading the information on each resource, you'll have a better idea of which one would be the right fit for your middle school computer classes.
1. TypingClub Keyboarding Program
TypingClub is a free web-based tool to learn and teach touch typing effectively. Because it is web-based all your students need is access to the internet in order to complete the work.
While anyone can access the lessons on the TypingClub website, most teachers use the School Edition, which provides additional resources for assigning work and tracking student progress.
One aspect of TypingClub that you will love is the iPad app. This is definitely a bonus for schools who use iPads instead of computers for their students. Even if your school only uses the app, you can still view and track all student activity, just like the web-based version.
If you are looking for more robust customization and data management, TypingClub has a paid version as well. There are extra features, with more flexibility and customization.
To learn more about the program, click here: A Review of TypingClub
Typing.com Keyboarding Curriculum
Typing.com is similar to TypingClub in that it is web-based and has a School Edition for teachers who want (or need) to teach a keyboarding class. This resource is totally free and unlike the free version of TypingClub, there are no class or data limits.
The Teacher Portal has a tracking and grading system, and real-time student monitoring for you to see what students are working on at the present time.
A big benefit of this keyboarding software for schools is that the curriculum is aligned to Common Core State Standards for Writing. Also, in addition to the standard lessons your students can complete games to further reinforce the lesson content.
Typing.com focuses on engaging students while teaching typing skills, as written on the website:
“Your students will love our fun and entertaining typing curriculum. Featuring engaging exercises, interactive typing games, and positive reinforcement, Typing.com is perfect for all age ranges and skill levels.”
Learning.com EasyTech Curriculum
EasyTech from Learning.com is content focused on the K-8 space to teach computer skills, including keyboarding. Here’s how they describe the content on their website:
“EasyTech includes a complete keyboarding curriculum that measures existing speed and accuracy and automatically assigns instruction that adapts to each student’s individual needs. The included reporting features help teachers quickly review time spent on practice, lessons covered, performance history, trend areas, words-per-minute, and overall accuracy by key.”
Because EasyTech is built for schools, it has automatic grading and progress reports the teacher can view to see how students are progressing.
The content within EasyTech is geared towards younger students, they even have recommendations for starting the Keyboarding content in Kindergarten.
Which Middle School Keyboarding Curriculum Is Right for You?
In this article, you discovered three popular typing curriculum options used in middle school classes. Each resource could be a good choice for you and we encourage you to do a trial of each one - that is the best way to find out!
While you review each option, consider key factors that can help you decide such as:
- Does it need to meet certain standards?
- Is it age-appropriate for my students?
- What value do you get for the cost?
- Is it easy to integrate in your classroom?
Though once you decide which middle school typing curriculum to implement, your work doesn't stop there. If you're like many other computer teachers finding the right curriculum is only one challenge you're facing.
Want to overcome your biggest challenges and become a great computer applications teacher? Download this free guide to start saving time and doing your best work:
