Updated March 23 (4 minute read) Choosing the correct touch typing software for students can pose a real headache for schools and teachers, simply because there are so many to choose from. At the end of the day, they should all do the same thing, teach students to touch type. So where do you start and what should you look for? A good typing software should be inclusive, safe and secure, record progress and have an effective and proven teaching method that ingrains muscle memory, automaticity and teaches the skill quickly and easily.   BBC Bitesize Dance Mat Typing                            BBC Bitesize Dance Mat Typing is a free resource and uses a similar method of teaching as several other typing software. Their teaching method includes videos, colour coded keys, games, badges, loud audio and bright moving visuals, etc.       Image – BBC Bitesize Dance Mat Typing   Does this method really work? Is there any science or research behind it to say it does? Does it build muscle memory and automaticity and most importantly, is it truly inclusive and suitable for the whole class? Many mainstream typing software claim to be SEN enabled but truth be told, they are not. Children get diagnosed with differences such as dyslexia at different stages of their school life. Until they are, they struggle to learn due to various challenges such as visual disturbances. If you think about it, how can a child learn to read, spell, write or type when the letters in front of them are blurred, jumping around or moving off the page altogether, accompanied with loud audio and continual onscreen distractions? As mentioned above, if you want to be assured of choosing the right typing software, choose one that is safe and secure for online learning, easy to use, developed through research, tried, tested, proven to work, industry recognised and one that is truly inclusive and caters for the whole class.     KAZ is an inclusive touch typing software suitable for both mainstream and pupils with special educational needs It was scientifically developed through research by a team of experts responsible for producing 55 RSA/NVQ level computer and office skill courses It was trialled and tested by 18,000 students per year, over 3 years, in 300 private training centres across the UK before it was released to market It uses a proven ©Accelerated Learning teaching method, incorporating ‘brain balance’ Includes a special module for developing automaticity  All SEN aspects were developed with advice and guidance from the Dyslexia Research Trust, including a unique preference screen which minimises visual disturbances pupils may be experiencing, before they start learning It’s simple in presentation, easy to use and delivered in a light hearted-manner  It’s safe and secure - KAZ are members of ICO.org.uk and ensure pupil’s data is protected. Read our privacy policy on our website The teacher’s admin panel allows easy upload of pupil lists, spellings of the week / problematic words and the monitoring of student progress in real-time It’s affordable - prices to suit all school budgets with fully transparent pricing It’s available over all platforms: Download for Mac and PC, SCORM for LMS and Online (the new mode of learning, allowing practice to continue beyond the classroom). Our App can now be used on iPads - though we advise with a keyboard   The KAZ course has proven so effective that it was shortlisted as a finalist for several academic awards: Bett Awards in 2006 and 2019 Teach Primary 2019/20 and Teach Secondary 2019/20                                   and more recently a finalist for: Teach Secondary 2023 as well as being nominated for the School & Supplier awards 2023 - Education Today   There are not many typing tutors which have been tried, tested, proven and used by the Open University   Listen to what the Sensible Senco has to say about KAZ ... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s3ahMqklAMI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> Bitesize Dance Mat Typing / KAZ / Others A Comparison                       Why teach children how to touch type?   Children are like sponges, they absorb information without even realising it and it has been proven that the earlier they begin learning, the easier it is for them to master a skill. As for neurodivergent students, touch typing offers a new medium for learning and communicating, building confidence and self-esteem. In some cases, it can be life-changing!   Helpful tips  Once you’ve mastered the skill, touch typing is the fastest way to write. It just takes a little dedication and practice but the most important things to remember are:  Don’t rush – work at your own pace Follow the instructions Always start with your fingers on the ‘home row’ and use the correct fingers Take a break when you’re tired of concentrating or when your eyes, hands and fingers are tired    Safety at the computer Take care of yourself and prevent Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Sit with correct posture and follow the guidance below.    Adult & Junior KAZ Bird – Posture Image ©kaz-type.com Happy typing! If this article was helpful, please share it.     https://kaz-type.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  FREE WEBINAR: October 5th.    Dyslexia: Ultimate Success in the Classroom and Beyond!   In today's digital age, touch typing has become more than just a convenient skill; it's a powerful tool for learning and productivity. Touch typing, the ability to type without looking at the keyboard, offers significant benefits for individuals with dyslexia, making it an invaluable asset in their educational journey. Enhanced Focus and Comprehension: Dyslexic learners often struggle with reading and writing due to difficulties in processing written information. Touch typing reduces the cognitive load associated with searching for keys, allowing dyslexic students to concentrate more on the content they're working on. This heightened focus can lead to better comprehension and retention of information. Working Memory Links: Touch typing also plays a crucial role in supporting working memory. For dyslexic learners, the cognitive load associated with locating keys and typing slowly can overwhelm their working memory capacity, making it challenging to process and retain information effectively. Touch typing, with its automatic and fluid typing process, lightens this load, allowing individuals to focus more on the content and tasks at hand. By reducing the mental effort required for typing, touch typing frees up valuable working memory resources, enhancing their ability to organise thoughts, solve problems, and engage in complex cognitive tasks more efficiently. This improved working memory capacity contributes significantly to their overall cognitive development and academic success. Writing Support: For dyslexic individuals, forming letters and words on paper can be challenging. Touch typing eliminates the physical act of writing, making it easier for dyslexic learners to express their thoughts coherently. As a result, they can more effectively convey their ideas in writing, boosting their confidence and performance. Increased Productivity: Touch typing significantly enhances typing speed and accuracy. Dyslexic learners can complete assignments and tasks more efficiently, reducing frustration and fatigue associated with traditional hunt-and-peck typing methods. This newfound efficiency encourages self-motivation and a sense of accomplishment. In conclusion, touch typing is not only a valuable skill for general computer use but also a critical support tool for dyslexic learners. It empowers them to overcome obstacles related to written communication and information processing. By embracing touch typing, dyslexic students can unlock their full potential and navigate the educational landscape with greater confidence and success. For more information on our upcoming webinar being held on October 5th and for FREE sign up:   Dyslexia: Ultimate Success in the Classroom and Beyond!  

Apprehension is part and parcel of starting university for all students, but for students with SEND, the level of anxiety can be far more significant. Transitional challenges, such as managing their own schedules and navigating the university system, through to social and peer relations can be extremely daunting. However, concerns about the academic demands of university, including the level of coursework, the need for independent study, and the worry about how their specific disabilities or learning difference will impact their academic performance may cause the greatest anxiety.  Through the DSA and assessment centres, students are assessed and recommended various assistive tools and software to accommodate their challenges. However, what needs to be highlighted is that many of these innovative assistive technologies and software are designed with keyboard input in mind, so being proficient in touch typing ensures that students can fully utilise these tools and access the support they need.  However, touch typing isn’t just the key to accessing assistive technology, it offers several additional benefits:   Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence   Mastering the fundamental and often overlooked skill of touch typing can be a tangible achievement that empowers students in their academic journey at university and beyond. It can boost self-esteem and confidence, creating a positive mindset to achieve and succeed.   Accessibility and Inclusivity   Touch typing can make the learning experience more accessible and inclusive for students with challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD and visual impairment. It provides them with a practical skill to help with written communication and engage with technology more efficiently at university.    Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency   Touch typing can significantly increase typing speed and accuracy compared to the hunt-and-peck method or with just a few fingers. This improved efficiency can help students complete assignments, take notes, and communicate with peers and teachers quickly, reducing frustration and time pressure. Reduced Cognitive Load For students who may already expand more cognitive effort on specific tasks, touch typing can reduce the cognitive load associated with typing. When typing becomes automatic and fluent, the skill moves to the sub- conscious, allowing students to focus more on the content they are producing rather than on the mechanics of typing.   Improved Note-Taking   Neurodivergent students often benefit from effective note-taking strategies. Touch typing enables them to take notes more efficiently during lectures, discussions, and presentations, ensuring they capture essential information accurately. Taking notes independently instils confidence and pride and prepares students for the work place where help in taking notes may not always be available.   Equal Opportunity   Teaching touch typing helps level the playing field and supports neurodivergent students having the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers. It enables them to compete academically and professionally on equal terms.   Job Readiness   Touch typing is a valuable job skill in many professions. Teaching the skill better prepares students for future career opportunities and increases their chances of success in the workplace.   Conclusion   Teaching university students with SEND to touch type is essential for promoting inclusivity, increasing productivity, reducing cognitive barriers, and preparing them for academic and professional success. It is part of creating an environment that values diversity and supports all students in reaching their full potential.  

'Why are we so obsessed with handwriting? Children spend hours, days, months and years learning this skill which will be redundant when they leave school and maybe long before', says Sal McKeown, award-winning journalist and Commissioning Editor at Teaching Times.   'Children will be expected to hand in their university assignments, study work for apprenticeships, day-to-day work in offices, factories, retail etc. on laptops and tablets, typing instead of writing. Even our traditional exams may soon become digital, in line with other countries around the world and some existing vocational exams in the UK. So perhaps schools should accept the inevitable and focus on equipping pupils with the skill before they leave school, even though it is not on the curriculum.'      Fitting in an extra-curricular activity is hard at the best of times, but in our current climate, it may seem impossible. However, it may prove to be the best gift you could give and equip your pupils with for their future!      National Ofqual qualifications in touch typing skills   Due to numerous teacher requests for a recognised qualification in touch typing to validate their learners’ digital skills, we partnered with Open Awards to produce the only National Ofqual-regulated touch typing qualification.    There are two levels available: Level 1 (4 credits) & Level 2 (6 credits), and both comprise two assessments:              A three-minute practical touch typing test recording speed and accuracy   A multiple choice theory paper covering touch typing technique, Repetitive Strain Injury and correct posture whilst typing     Pass marks  Level 1 – Typing test – 25 wpm, Accuracy 85%, Theory – 50% in each category Level 2 – Typing test – 35 wpm, Accuracy 85%, Theory – 50% in each category The qualification will be added to pupils’ education records.   Several schools have already entered their KS3 and SEN pupils for the exam with excellent results. Colleges plan to offer their learners the qualifications to prepare them for the workplace.     Testimonials    Cheadle Hulme School    Sarah Lloyd-Davies is a Learning Support Assistant and Exams Officer at Cheadle Hulme School.  ‘We have been using the KAZ programme since the start of 2019 and it has made a huge difference to those pupils (both in the junior and senior school) who have enrolled on the course and become competent touch typists.’    She welcomes the new recognised qualification and says it will encourage learners to improve their speed and accuracy - 'It will improve and broaden their prospects for the future. They will be better prepared for the demands of a world which looks to enhance organisational performance and where economies thrive on efficiency and speed of communication and data.'       Moon Hall School   David Curran is Assistive Technologies Lead and Head of Careers at Moon Hall School, a specialist dyslexia school in Reigate, which uses assistive technology to good effect. He pointed out that touch typing allows children to exploit their kinaesthetic skills and they learn patterns on the keyboard for the most commonly used words.  He adds, 'Once they leave school, our learners will be going on to university, apprenticeships, and employment and touch typing is one of the tools they will be using in their day to day life, far more frequently than handwriting. It makes sense to develop their skills as early as possible. Touch typing expands their active vocabulary and as their confidence builds, they become more creative and communicate more effectively and this is reflected in better exam grades.'  However, with the best will in the world, young people are under such pressure now, and they are going to ask, 'What's in it for me?' I believe a recognised Ofqual qualification in touch typing would be the answer. Not only would it be an extra incentive for them to master the skill but also an additional qualification and achievement on their record sheet, which they can take with them moving forward.’   ‘While schools are focusing on handwriting, the world is moving on. Maybe it’s time that we paid more attention to the skills needed in the workplace. It is very rare to see handwriting listed as an essential or desirable quality in the twenty-first century’, says Sal McKeown.   https://kaz-type.com/products/openawards-ofqual-regulated-qualification  

The Power of Touch Typing   As the summer holidays approach, pupils eagerly anticipate a break from the structured routines of school. While it's essential to recharge and enjoy the summer, there is often a concern about the summer learning gap. This phenomenon, known as the ‘summer slide’, refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that can occur during an extended break.   The summer learning gap is a well-documented issue affecting pupils of all ages and abilities, especially those who struggle academically at school. Research has shown that pupils can lose a significant portion of their academic progress during the extended break. This regression can particularly impact core reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Some parents turn to maths and English tuition over the holidays, but children do not necessarily want or need more of the same. Fortunately, there is a different way to bridge the learning gap, counteract the decline and enhance pupils’ abilities with a valuable skill, transforming the summer break into a period of productivity – touch typing.   What is touch typing? Touch typing is the skill of typing without looking down at the keyboard. It involves using all digits to type quickly and accurately and relies on familiarity with key placements and regular practice to reinforce learned patterns and build muscle memory. By mastering this technique, pupils can significantly increase their typing speed and accuracy. While it may seem like a simple process, touch typing can significantly impact pupils' academic success.   Enhance writing skills Writing is a fundamental skill across all subjects. One of the most significant advantages of touch typing is that it can enhance pupils' writing skills. By learning to touch type quickly and accurately, pupils can effortlessly translate their thoughts into words, boosting their writing speed and fluency. This increased efficiency allows them to focus more on the content and structure of their writing rather than struggling with the mechanics of typing. This can lead to more thoughtful and improved composition skills.   Improve reading comprehension In addition, touch typing proficiency can also help with reading comprehension. When pupils touch type, they can focus more on the text they are reading rather than constantly breaking their concentration by looking up and down between the keyboard and screen. This simple difference can help with reading flow and understanding.   Reinforce spelling Touch typing can also reinforce spelling and vocabulary, as the repetitive nature of practising exercises automatises correct spelling, builds muscle memory and expands vocabulary.    Increase productivity Quick and accurate typing increases productivity. Pupils who are proficient touch typists can complete assignments and projects quickly and efficiently, leaving more time for other activities.   SEN Concerning neurodivergent pupils, learning to touch type can help address many of the challenges they face, from difficulties with writing and spelling to processing and slow work rate. The skill provides a new medium for learning and communicating, encourages independent learning and helps boost confidence and self-esteem.    Conclusion  Learning to touch type over the summer holidays can help bridge the summer learning gap by improving writing skills, enhancing reading comprehension, and increasing productivity while acquiring a valuable lifelong skill. Parents and teachers can offer encouragement and support by providing incentives, such as a reward for reaching a certain speed or accuracy level. They can also integrate touch typing into summer learning activities by having pupils type out summaries of books they have read or journal entries about their summer experiences. By investing a little time each day, pupils can transform their summer break into a period of growth and development. The summer holidays need not be a time of learning regression and missed opportunities. Learning to touch type offers an effective solution to bridge the learning gap.   National Ofqual-regulated qualifications in touch typing skills – Level 1 & 2  As well as our inclusive touch typing course, we also offer the only national Ofqual regulated qualifications in touch typing skills (Level 1 & 2) for learners who want to verify their skill. All successful learners receive a digital certificate and have the qualification added to their education records.   https://kaz-type.com/products/openawards-ofqual-regulated-qualification     Duke of Edinburgh Awards – Skills Section   Alternatively, we are a DofE Approved Activity Skills Provider, offering our online course towards the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.   https://kaz-type.com/duke-of-edinburgh-bronze-silver-gold-award        

Using coloured filters and typefaces for individuals with visual disturbances can be transformative. It can change a ‘can’t’ to a ‘can’ and low self-esteem to a positive mindset.   We at KAZ have been very fortunate to have worked exclusively with pioneers in the field. Pioneers such as the British Dyslexia Research Trust, incorporating their filters and taking their advice in producing the SEN/Dyslexia edition of our software, and now, more recently, Crossbow Education.    Crossbow was founded in 1992 by SEN teacher and expert Bob Hext. They develop highly sought-after resources to help students with Dyslexia, as well as sell a wide selection of resources, including those from other publishers, representing what is regarded as the best multi-sensory resources suitable for dyslexia teaching support. With offices in the UK and the USA, they have become the UK brand leader for visual stress products. Their reading rulers and overlays are used in over 60% of the schools and colleges in the country.   Recently Launched     After several years of extensive research, they are proud to have recently launched their new dyslexia-friendly font, Aravis. In its development, they were adamant the font should be attractive, helpful, easy on the eye and able to draw the reader in with minimal brain bandwidth, enabling more focus on content.   We are very excited to have licenced this innovative font for inclusion into our ©preference screen in all our courses for 2023.               Crossbow is a Multi award winner and a member of BESA.   Also published by Crossbow:    Tint n Track for screens  Tinted Reading Rulers  Overlays Tinted exercise books  For futher information please visit: https://www.crossboweducation.com 

Train & validate your students' touch typing skills with a National Ofqual regulated touch typing qualification     'Why are we so obsessed with handwriting? Children spend hours, days, months and years learning this skill which will be redundant when they leave school and maybe long before', says Sal McKeown, award-winning journalist and Commissioning Editor at Teaching Times.     'Children will be expected to hand in their university assignments, study work for apprenticeships, day-to-day work in offices, factories, retail etc. 'on laptops and tablets, typing instead of writing. Even our traditional exams may soon become digital, in line with other countries around the world and some existing vocational exams in the UK. So perhaps schools should accept the inevitable and focus on equipping pupils with the skill before they leave school, even though it is not on the curriculum.'      Fitting in an extra-curricular activity is hard at the best of times, but in our current climate, it may seem impossible. However, it may be the best gift you could give and equip your pupils for their future!       National Ofqual qualification in touch typing skills   Due to numerous requests from teachers for a recognised qualification in touch typing to validate their learners’ digital skills, we partnered with Open Awards to produce the only National Ofqual regulated touch typing qualification.    There are two levels available: Level 1 (4 credits) & Level 2 (6 credits), and both levels comprise two assessments: A three-minute practical touch typing test recording speed and accuracy A multiple choice theory paper covering touch typing technique, RSI and correct posture whilst typing       Pass marks    Level 1 – Typing test – 25 wpm, Accuracy 85%, Theory – 50%  Level 2 – Typing test – 35 wpm, Accuracy 85%, Theory – 50% The qualification will be added to pupils’ educational records.   Both independent and state schools are already showing interest in entering their KS3 and SEN pupils for the exam, and colleges plan to offer the qualifications to their learners to prepare them for the workplace.     Testimonials    Cheadle Hulme School      Sarah Lloyd-Davies is a Learning Support Assistant and Exams Officer at Cheadle Hulme School.    ‘We have been using the KAZ programme since the start of 2019, and it has made a huge difference to those pupils (both in the junior and senior school) who have enrolled on the course and become competent touch typists.’    She welcomes the new recognised qualification and says it will encourage learners to improve their speed and accuracy and 'will improve and broaden their prospects for the future. They will be better prepared for the demands of a world which looks to enhance organisational performance and where economies thrive on efficiency and speed of communication and data.'         Moon Hall School     David Curran is Assistive Technologies Lead and Head of Careers at Moon Hall School, a specialist dyslexia school in Reigate, which uses assistive technology effectively. He pointed out that touch typing allows children to exploit their kinaesthetic skills and learn patterns on the keyboard for the most commonly used words. This is an argument often used to validate handwriting.    He adds, 'Once they leave school, our learners will be going on to university, apprenticeships, employment, and touch typing is one of the tools they will be using in their day to day life, far more frequently than handwriting. It makes sense to develop their skills as early as possible. Touch typing expands their active vocabulary, and as their confidence builds, they become more creative and communicate more effectively and this is reflected in better exam grades.'  However, with the best will in the world, young people are under such pressure now, and they are going to ask, 'What's in it for me?' I believe a recognised Ofqual qualification in touch typing would be the answer. Not only would it be an extra incentive for them to master the skill but also an additional qualification and achievement on their record sheet, which they can take with them moving forward.'   While schools are focusing on handwriting, the world is moving on. It is very rare to see handwriting listed as an essential or desirable quality in the twenty-first century. It may be time that we pay more attention to the skills needed in the workplace.   https://kaz-type.com/products/openawards-ofqual-regulated-qualification    

(3 minute read) How touch typing can benefit your employees     Almost every employer, given the choice, would prefer to hire an employee that can type quickly and accurately.     Touch typing (a technique where an individual types with all their fingers and thumbs, without looking at the keyboard), is considered to be an essential skill for workers in many professions, from telemarketing to design. We are now expected to be our own secretaries and maintain our own admin. Typing at speed, at an above-average word per minute will save countless hours of timeat the keyboard, improve efficiency and allow you to multi-task. Additionally, the reduction in work pressure allows for an increased competitive edge amongst colleagues.     <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/syF5R_7NlEc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>     In this modern digital age, typing slowly and/or with just two fingers is unacceptable. With computers now allowed in exams (subject to access arrangements), it is only a matter of time before all learning, university and professional, are computer-based.   Many recruitment agencies now insist on a typing test prior to interview, as corporations realise the benefits of their employees being work-ready and understand how this fundamental but key skill promotes efficiency and productivity.     Devoting just a few hours a day to learn the skill of touch typing can reap huge rewards. Just like learning to drive, where we take lessons and then a proficiency test, we should apply the same principles when learning to type. With KAZ, it takes just 90 minutes to learn the a-z keys, plus practice time. You can practice on exercises within the course, as well as on emails, essays and work presentations.   Benefits of touch typing for employees     Time management   Organisations look for employees that are motivated and able to make effective use of their time during working hours. As a touch typist, productivity is naturally increased and so assignments are delivered in a shorter timeframe. This in itself can remove the intense pressure of ‘extra work’ and by saving working hours, your firm can stay ahead of the competition, irrespective of profession, as ultimately productivity matters. This basic yet crucial tech skill is probably more valuable in terms of return on investment than any other course you are likely to take. Whilst we can all ‘type’, only 30% of the workforce can type effectively, using all fingers and at a speed greater than the average of between 18-35wpm.   Concentration power   Keyboarding also improves concentration levels on all computer-based tasks. When touch typing, skills are learned, cognitive mental development is enhanced and you develop the ability to ‘think type’. Simply put, what you think, ‘appears’ on the screen in front of you. Subconscious touch typing does not extract mental energy, it leaves the mind free to process other thoughts and ideas.   Professional status   Typing ‘efficiently’ significantly enhances your professional image. When you touch type at high speed and with accuracy, you naturally appear more confident and more in control. Remember, a professional image is crucial for your career prospects and excellent typing abilities will stand you apart from your colleagues.   Mental health & well-being   An additional benefit of learning to touch type correctly is the knowledge gained (sitting with good posture and the correct positioning of hands, wrists and fingers at the keyboard). If you suffer from stiffness of the shoulders, neck, hand or wrists, or suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), touch typing will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms and conditions. Observing these simple ergonomics will protect you from these and other complications - an invaluable benefit from learning touch typing   Touch typing - an essential element for the development of other skills   Touch typing is a skill that is widely recognised in the marketplace (business, education and lifestyle sectors). It helps when learning other computer/keyboard-based skills, such as coding and importantly, contributes to your own personal development (CPD/CE). With practice, speed and accuracy develop, allowing you to outperform in all aspects of computer use and communication. To sum up…   Touch typing improves your academic performance and widens the scope for future opportunities in the professional sector. As an employee, you can improve efficiency, productivity, the ability to multi-task and time management, whilst protecting your mental health and well-being.                Image © kaz-type.com Ready, steady, type… If this article was helpful, please share it.   ... and also recommended by Which? magazine.   ‘To get the maximum benefits from a keyboard, you need to be able to touch - type. Learning how to do this is made easier by programs such as KAZ (Keyboard A–Z), which claims to deliver benefits in just 90 minutes. KAZ has Corporate, Adult, Junior and Dyslexia editions...Touch-typing really does save you time… and you are never too old to learn.’  (Which? Magazine - February 2020)