Appendix
Explanation of Appendix
The appendix of this Curriculum Framework is, by design, very brief. Many of the topics suggested for
inclusion are time-sensitive and subject to change. Therefore, much of the information that might have been
included in this appendix is on the technology webpage so it can be updated as needed and kept current.
Appendix
Keyboarding Subcommittee Report
Charge:
Examine best practices for teaching keyboarding skills and based on best practices and the Technology
Curriculum Framework standards, determine how keyboarding will be taught in the elementary schools.
Findings:
Traditionally, keyboarding was taught by business education teachers through a typewriting course.
With the development of the personal computer, keyboarding became a necessary skill for even the
youngest of children.
Research shows elementary students are able to learn keyboarding skills. Students interact with
keyboards from an early age and have many opportunities to learn bad habits with keyboarding. To
discourage these bad habits from forming, keyboarding instruction should begin at an early age. Beginning
in kindergarten, students should focus on understanding that there are specific finger positions. By third
grade, at the latest, students should focus on practicing using correct fingers to keyboard. In older grades,
students should focus on reinforcing/increasing accuracy when word processing.
Instruction should focus on technique. Carla Kruzan says that “Memory is in the muscles.’’ Learning to
keyboard is much like learning to ride a bike. As a psycho-motor skill, repeated practice (drill) is necessary
for accuracy and then speed.
At least 25 (45 minutes a week for one school year) hours of instruction and practice is needed to obtain
proper keyboarding techniques.
Recommendations:
Kindergarten and first grade should focus on understanding that there are specific finger positions. Second
grade should focus on learning specific finger placement when typing words and sentences. Third grade
should focus on practicing correct finger placement when typing paragraphs. Fourth and fifth grade should
focus on reinforcing/increasing accuracy when word processing.
Suggested keyboarding learning target modifications:
Grade K and 1 Learning Target: Students understand that there are specific finger positions used when
selecting a letter, number, or symbol on the keyboard.
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Grade 2 Learning Target:
Students practice which fingers type which letters on the keyboard and use correct fingers when
typing words and phrases.
Grade 3 Learning Target:
Students practice correct finger placement through completing formal keyboarding lessons on
letters, numbers and symbols. Students use correct fingers when typing paragraphs.
Grade 4 Learning Target:
Students continue to complete formal keyboarding drills to reinforce/increase accuracy when
using correct finger placement. Students demonstrate correct finger placement when word
processing.
What does keyboarding introduction look like at K-1?
 Paper keyboard or non-working keyboard divided with yarn
 Centers with finding letters on keyboard
 Keyboard Poster
 Color all keys on paper keyboard that you press with your left pointer, etc.
Appendix
What does keyboarding introduction look like at grade 2?
 3 Days a Week for at least 15 minutes.
 Introduce which fingers reach to which keys on paper keyboard and/or non-working keyboard.
 Learn/Practice in keyboarding program.
 Focus on letters, space bar and special keys.
What does keyboarding practice look like at 3rd?
 Practice in keyboarding program 2 times a week for at least 15 min.
 Continue practice with letters, add number and symbol lessons.
What does keyboarding practice look like at 4th?
 Practice in keyboarding program 1 time a week for at least 15 min, focusing on drill and practice not
introduction to increase accuracy.
 Demonstrate correct keyboarding in all word processing.
What does keyboarding instruction look like during the 2009-2010 implementation year?
 Second, third, and fourth grade students will practice in keyboarding program 3 days a week for at
least 15 minutes in order to provide keyboarding instruction for those who have not received
instruction in previous years.
 Fifth and sixth grade teachers should consider providing time for students to practice keyboarding
skills.
What does the teacher do while teaching keyboarding?
 Teachers will introduce correct posture, finger placement, and reaches.
 Teachers will monitor students by walking around the lab during lessons/practice to ensure correct
posture, finger placement, and reaches.
When and where does keyboarding instruction happen?
Time with computers to practice in keyboarding programs will be an issue for schools to consider when
planning for the 2009-10 school year. Teachers in grades 2, 3, and 4 may need more access to computers
with the expectation of teaching keyboarding skills 3 times a week for at least 15 minutes.
Professional Development:
Professional development is needed to show teachers how to teach keyboarding. This training can be offered
through the summer technology workshop during the grade level/curriculum day. This training can also be
offered at the beginning of the year at the individual schools for teachers in each grade level.
Appendix
Computer Applications Class
Computer Applications is a semester course and is offered at both Mountain Brook Junior High and Mountain
Brook High School. It is open to all students beginning in the eighth grade. It fulfills the one-half credit
technology requirement by the state of Alabama for graduation from high school.
However, Mountain Brook Schools has an “exception” to this requirement because of the strong technology
curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade. Students, who do not complete the Computer Applications
course in eighth grade or are not taking it in the ninth grade, must take a technology proficiency test in the ninth
grade. If they pass this test, they are not required to take Computer Applications. If they do not pass this test,
they are required to take this course before graduating from high school.