Keyboarding

Using Good Technique

Mrs. Ballard

What is Keyboarding?
The ability to enter text by using the correct fingers without looking at the keys (aka-touch typing). Having adequate keyboarding skills will enable you to use the computer more effectively and be more productive. 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 posture Keep your body centered with the G/H keys Keep your wrists low but not touching the keyboard or table Use correct fingering based on the home row keys keeping fingers curved and upright Key at a steady pace Keep your copy at your side Keep your eyes on your copy Stay 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 centered Sit at a comfortable distance from the keyboard Feet 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 upright Tips of fingers lightly touching keys Hands are still while fingers reach Wrists 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

DeQuervains Disease
DeQuervains 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 finger Notice diagonal design of the keyboard

Right Pinky Right Ring Right Middle Right Index

Homerow Keys

Left Index

Left Middle

Left Ring

Left Pinky

Thumbs

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 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 time Double Spacing (DS)-Enter two times Triple Spacing (TS)-Enter three times Quadruple Spacing (QS)-Enter four times

Shift
Shift with the correct finger Hold shift key down while striking key with the opposite hand Immediately 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

A quote to leave you with

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 useOne chiefly needs swiftness in banging the keys (Mark Twains first typewritten letter. December 9, 1874)