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                                   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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

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)

    Is it bad to type with just two fingers?      If you type occasionally, typing with just two fingers shouldn’t really pose a problem but if you type regularly, for prolonged periods of time, it could become problematic. This is because it has been proven that typing with just two fingers, for long periods increases the chances of developing RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). This is why it is always preferable to touch type correctly and follow good practice.     Is it hard to learn to type?   No. Typing is a skill which is relatively simple to learn. All you need is a reputable typing software, with a proven teaching method, clear and correct instruction and one that builds muscle memory. Then it’s just practice and a little determination. (Our Accelerated Learning teaching method will teach you to type the a-z keys in just 90 minutes.)     How can I teach myself to type?   Firstly, use an approved and reputable typing software. There are a variety to choose from, from ‘free’ to ‘paid’ products. Some include gaming or video based instruction and some do not. Preferably, choose a software that is research based, has a proven teaching method, clear and correct instruction and one that builds muscle memory and develops speed. If time is of major consideration, choose KAZ. Our Accelerated Learning teaching method, which was developed through science and research and designed to teach typing skills with minimal fuss, will teach you to type quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, it has been tried, tested and proven to work. There aren’t many typing tutors that can back up their courses with scientific research.     How long does it take to learn typing fast?   This really varies from person to person and from one course to another. With our proven Accelerated Learning teaching method, you will learn to touch type the a-z keys in just 90 minutes and complete the whole of the keyboard in just 4 hours. The majority of our users leave KAZ typing at around 50wpm. However, don’t expect to be typing at 100wpm after a week. Learning to type correctly takes time but within weeks you will see a rapid improvement, which should really encourage you.       What about gaming?    Well it all depends on what you want from a course but research has proven that whilst gaming appears fun, it actually delays or extends the learning process, which if you think about, makes sense. If you want to learn to type quickly, choose a reputable software that is proven to work and delivered in a simple and light hearted manner.      What is the best website to learn typing?     There are various websites which offer free or paid courses. Ideally, you should choose a site that is reputable, fully secure and ad-free for online learning. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser bar and always read the data policy and Terms & Conditions before signing up. Additionally, check licensing prior to signing - is it a simple one off annual payment or are there continual monthly fees which only stop once you cancel the subscription? KAZ only charge one annual fee which does not renew automatically. An email reminder is sent out one month prior to the licence expiry, allowing you to renew if you wish to.     What is the best typing program for free?    Some programs may be free but nowadays, with cyber security and data theft a prime concern, the question should be; Is my data and browsing history (and that of others who use this software) safe? One should always read the data policy and T&Cs. The real question that should be asked is why would a course be given away for free?   What about downloading software?   Generally, it is strongly advised against downloading files from the internet but if you do, all downloaded files should come from a reputable source, with the software house clearly displaying their Apple and Microsoft developer credentials.       Why should I pay for a typing program?   Paying for a product indicates the willingness to benefit from a specialised product that is safe to use. Normally, when a product is paid for there is the added incentive to use it and complete the learning.     What is the best app to learn typing?    One which meets the following criteria - teaches correct posture whist typing and informs about RSI. Teaches correct finger placement, using a proven teaching method, includes practice modules to build muscle memory and allows for practice to develop speed and accuracy.       Is Typing 40wpm good?   Yes. Typing at 40 wpm is considered a good typing speed from which you can build automaticity and with practice, increase speed. Our research has shown that 35wpm is the tipping point, when all fingers and thumbs are used. This research is backed up by our work with various bodies such as the MOD and City & Guilds.     How do I start typing?    Most people are normally typing one way or another but often with just 2 or a few fingers. Typing like this will generally limit you to 25/30 wpm, with an increased risk of developing RSI. Choosing a reputable software with a proven teaching method, would be your best way forward. It should teach you effortlessly and you will find that once the skill is automatised you will be able to plan, compose and edit without even realising it, a term we call ‘Think-type’.   Is it possible to type at 200wpm?   Whilst in theory it is possible to type at extraordinary speeds but this is normally in short bursts. However it is always recommended to give fingers a break after 2-5 minutes of continuous typing as this reduces the risk of RSI.     What is the average wpm for a 13 year old?     This obviously varies from child to child and can vary from 15 to 80+ wpm. Children are very quick to pick up the skill, which adds to the mystery of why this skill isn’t on the curriculum in all countries. The earlier a child learns the skill the better. However consider a starting age of around 6/7 years, as hands will have grown sufficiently and fingers develop good dexterity.   How can I speed up my keyboard typing?    Practice, practice and more practice and always maintain discipline… Practice not only on your software but also on emails, essays and at work. It is so important to keep discipline and not resort back to bad habits. If necessary, refresh on the KAZ course as many times as needed.       How do you type special characters?   A good software will demonstrate and teach you how to use the punctuation, shift keys and the number keys. Remember, not all keyboards have a number pad. So, software should teach the number row which is located on the top row of the keyboard.     Can you learn to touch type in a week?    Yes, with KAZ you can. Our Accelerating Teaching method and ©phrases, using ‘brain balance’ will do just that. Our course has been specifically designed to teach you to type the a-z keys in just 90 minutes and the rest is just practice.        Can I learn typing on a laptop?   Yes. Laptops and desktops are ideal for learning, as they all have correctly sized keyboards. However, not all courses work across all devices, such as iPads and tablets. Also remember that correct workstation setup is key for efficient typing. You should be relaxed and correctly distanced from the keyboard. A good typing tutor will explain all this. Some people use extra keyboards or screens for proper workstation setups.       Why does the KAZ course work?   Unlike other typing software, our method is patented, has a white paper written on its effectiveness by the Open University and most importantly, works! The method was tested prior to launch in over 300 adult education learning centres across the UK and only released to market when over 90% (93%) of individuals learned to type the a-z keys in just 90 minutes.     Anything else…?   All our learning modules are just that, learning. You are not hampered in progressing through the course by needing to type at a certain speed, collect badges or watch countless videos. Learning through mistakes ensures you build muscle memory gradually.   However, in the testing and SpeedBuilding modules you can only progress if you press the correct key, which is how we then enforce muscle memory.  Also as all vocabulary is ‘real word’, there is no ‘gobbledegook’ or ‘nonsense words’ which can all confuse or delay leaning.           Why can I trust KAZ?   We’re a real company used by government, schools, business and individuals worldwide. See our testimonials on sites such as https://edtechimpact.com/products/kaz-online-e-learning. We are registered as a company in the UK, clearly display our phone, address and contact details on our website and are registered with the leading data controllers https://ico.org.uk. We take data control seriously. Added to that we’re members of BESA, NAACE to name just a few. We are constantly striving to make the user experience better and our courses suitable for all, so always expect exceptional updates to our software!     and lastly to sum up…   Remember specific fingers should only press certain keys. If you learn to type correctly, you can achieve regular typing speeds in excess of 70 words per minute (wpm). It is important to learn correctly as incorrect typing, such as ‘hunt and peck’, can increase the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).   It is widely accepted, in the teaching and learning profession that methods using an Accelerated Learning teaching method are far more effective, engaging and work. Effective learning leads to a higher completion rate, higher satisfaction rate and the skill learned!   It is important to realise that if learning is not delivered correctly, it can be counter-productive.  

Test - Train - Certify   KAZ software is designed to ensure ‘your’ employees are trained to type quickly and correctly and if they can already type, to correct bad habits, which tend to ‘develop’ over time.    Step 1 - Request each employee to take a KAZ typing test This is free on our website: freetest Alternatively, request 10 free typing tests from the KAZ office. (As a guide, 35wpm is the ‘tipping point’ where all fingers and thumbs are being used to type correctly. However, many of our clients do not test but put all employees through the training, as the course also corrects bad habits and takes just 90 minutes.)   Step 2 - Train all staff with scores less than 35wpm   Simply ask them to start at the top and work through each module in order, ending with the ‘Final Assessment’.   Step 3 - Monitor progress   All staff that successfully pass the ‘final assessment’ will be typing at 35wpm or more. This is your confirmation that the training has been successful and typing speed will only increase with practice. All successful candidates will automatically receive a CPD certificate, a copy of which will be recorded in your admin panel.   (If you have a low take up, we suggest offering an Amazon voucher or similar to the most improved typist. KAZ will forward a £250 Amazon voucher for all purchases of 500+ licences.)     ‘Your Success is Our Success’         Recommended in Which? magazine Feb 2020  

Digital credentials for students   As a result of the pandemic, there has been a global change in delivering education. Online learning and using a computer have become crucial elements for both teachers and students. Secondary school teachers have recognised the necessity to teach students how to touch type, to prepare them for ‘O’ levels, further education and the workplace. They have been searching for touch typing programs with testing modules from recognised bodies to include in their ‘digital literacy program’ and curriculum. For this reason, City & Guilds have lowered their minimum age requirements for their KAZ ‘City & Guilds Assured’ touch typing test to 14 years of age (for invigilated testing only).   A ‘City & Guilds Assured’ test offers external validation from a trusted global brand, providing a mark of learning quality and credibility   An ‘Assured’ status is only awarded to programmes that meet City & Guild’s strict benchmark standards, demonstrating commitment to quality training     KAZ ‘City & Guilds Assured’ touch typing test The test consists of two parts:   Multiple-choice paper   The multiple-choice paper consists of 15 questions, evenly covering three different areas - 'Correct Posture’ - when sitting at a computer, 'Repetitive Strain Injury’ - meaning, causes, signs, symptoms and preventative measures and 'Touch Typing Technique.’ All these topics are covered in the ‘Flying Start’ module training before the test.   Typing test    The typing test records typing speed and accuracy.   Pass Mark A ‘City & Guilds Assured’ pass will be attained when students achieve the following scores: Words/minute – 35 Accuracy – 80% Multiple-choice score – 80% (12/15)   City & Guilds invigilation guidelines for schools The invigilator is responsible for upholding the integrity of the test and ensuring proper conduct of the examination. The invigilator must also ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.   Responsibilities of the invigilator: The assessment room is correctly set up, with a sign on the outside indicating that an assessment is in progress   The assessment room has appropriate conditions conducive to sitting an examination – i.e. appropriate heating, lighting, ventilation and level of external noise   He/she is aware of the location of the nearest toilet   The seating plan is appropriate   All computers are in place and in good working order and that an e-Learning technologist is present, to deal with any technical issues that may arise. Spare computers must be available in the room should they be required   Adequate checks are conducted to confirm the identity of all students – photo I.D. is essential   The school has made appropriate reasonable adjustments for students with particular assessment requirements before the assessment date and these are made known to the invigilator     During the assessment, the invigilator must: Supervise the candidates and give their complete attention to their duties whilst the assessment is in progress   Be vigilant and remain aware of emerging situations, looking out for cheating and malpractice or candidates who may be feeling unwell. Any irregularities must be recorded   Move around the assessment room quietly and at frequent intervals   Must have access to a mobile phone (switched to silent), to summon help, should they need to, without leaving the room     Certification Procedure     On successfully passing both the multiple-choice paper and typing test, students will automatically receive a congratulatory message and once the invigilator clicks the ‘Generate the Certificate’ tab in the admin panel, students will be emailed a co-branded digital Certificate to showcase their new skill externally via the web – i.e. social media profiles, C.V.’s and job application forms. The digital badge may take up to 28 days to be emailed, as it is dependent on the City & Guilds processing department.   If students are unsuccessful Should students be unsuccessful in attaining their ‘City & Guilds’ on their first attempt, they may try again as many times as they wish. Although students may re-sit immediately, it is recommended they wait 24 hours and re-visit the ‘Flying Start’ module, which is incorporated into the KAZ training before the test.   https://kaz-type.com/products/educational-edition/primary-secondary  

  Typing fast is an essential element for completing your daily computer-related work quickly and efficiently, be it at home or the office. Typing at an average speed with just two or a few fingers is not sufficient. In today’s world of computers and technology, you need to be able to touch type fast and accurately.    What is touch typing? Touch typing is the subconscious skill where you learn to type with all your fingers, thumbs and without continually looking down at the keyboard, saving you time and guarding against Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). However, to become an expert in touch typing, you need to master certain techniques.  When touch typing, you need to use all your fingers and thumbs because each key on the keyboard relates to a specific finger or a specific thumb.   Follow these simple guidelines to learn touch typing: QWERTY All keyboards have a similar design, however in this blog we concentrate on the QWERTY layout (the same layout as a smartphone’s touch keys).     Image – QWERTY Keyboard Layout - kaz-type.com     Starting position - ‘Home Position’  The starting position for your fingers when getting ready to touch type, or when they are at rest and not typing is called the ‘home position’ and the keys you place your fingers on are called the ‘home keys’. The ‘home position’ is situated on the middle row of your keyboard as highlighted below.   F and J indicators  All keyboards have raised markers (bumps or grooves) on the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys. These markers are where you should place your index fingers, followed by the rest of your fingers, to form the ‘home position’. The raised bumps and grooves allow you to place your fingers on the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys by touch, without the need to look down at the keyboard.   Left-hand positioning Position your index finger on ‘ F’, middle finger on ‘D’, ring finger on ‘S’ and little finger on ‘A’. Right-hand positioning Position your index finger on ‘J’, middle finger on ‘K’, ring finger on ‘L’ and little finger on ‘;’ (semicolon).  Position of thumbs In the case of both hands, your thumbs should rest on the spacebar. Correct finger positions for the ‘home keys’ on your keyboard Image – Home Row Keys - kaz-type.com Memorise the keyboard structure To learn touch typing, you need to memorize the keyboard layout. There is no need to rush. With regular practice, muscle memory will build and you will quickly get acquainted with the layout of the keyboard. Remember the association of letters and fingers Again, with regular practice, you will learn the correct finger positioning for each key and its association with each letter on the keyboard. As muscle memory develops, you will find your fingers will automatically move to the correct keys, allowing you to type quickly. This is known as ‘think-typing’. A good touch typing softwarewill teach you this. Different software use different methods. Several use colour coded keys but KAZ uses a unique Accelerated Learning teaching method and teach the a-z keys using 5 scientifically structured and trademarked phrases. Their method has been tried, tested and proven to work and teach you the a-z keys in just 90 minutes.     Here is a list of which fingers to use to press specific keys Q, A, Z, Shift, Tab and Caps Lock - Press using the little finger of your left hand  W, S and X – Press using the ring finger of your left hand  E, D and C - Press using the middle finger of your left hand R, F, V, B, G and T - Press using the index finger of your left hand  P, ; , : , ' , ""), / , ? , { } , [ ] , \ , | , Shift, Backspace, Enter - Use the little finger of your right hand  O, l, ".", > - Press using the ring finger of your right hand I, K, ", ", < - Press using the middle finger of your right hand U, J, N, M, H, and Y - Press using the index finger of your right hand  Space Bar - Press using either your right or left thumb     Conclusion   The above are just guidelines to help you become more adept at touch typing but the best touch typing software will take you through each of the steps in order, provide additional information on the importance of correct posture whilst sitting at a computer and explain about the effects, causes, symptoms and preventative measures of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).    The KAZ touch typing course uses a unique and proven Accelerated Learning teaching method. Incorporating ‘brain balance’, its 5 scientifically structured and trademarked phrases teach the a-z keys easily and efficiently, in just 90 minutes.     Additionally, it offers structured exercises to develop muscle memory, promoting automaticity and a speed building module, increasing speed and accuracy. The course will help you meet your goal and become a touch typing expert.  https://kaz-type.com