Virtualizing the virtual.
It may seem counter intuitive, but learning typing with printable diagrams is an effective way memorizing the keyboard layout. While you are doing it on paper, guessing and connecting the floating letters with the empty spots binds all possible parts of your brain. This matches the “practice in action” principle.
Also, it can be practiced away from the computer, f.e. on the beach, on a plane or anywhere else.
How it works?
The first step in learning typing : is getting a visual memory of the keyboard layout.
However, in order to memorize the keyboard layout a physical keyboard attached to a computer are not even required.
Once you memorize three rows of letters (total of 30 keys), learning typing will become only a matter of time.
Whenever you yourself, your children or young students in class or even kindergarten, have a set of printable and something to write or draw with – the keyboard can be learned in a fun and engaging way.
Practicing with these printable is possible on the couch, on a plane, or any other imaginable environment.
Instructions for use of the printable:
Once you print the PDF file, you will have a full map of the numbers and letters and three diagrams with either one of the three rows blank.
Around the diagram there are ten floating keys with those missing letters. The goal is to draw a line or an arrow towards the place where each letter should be and to write that letter in the empty box.
Scoring.
Refer to the “Full QWERTY layout” on page 5 and count how many letters you are in the right place. Write that number in the “Score” – box, in the right lower corner.
Rewarding.
Rewarding – is an important part of effective learning .
Any incentives will create additional intrigue for those who are filling the puzzle.
If you are teaching kids, then for each point you might grant them 10 or 20 cents – they will be happy.
If you are learning the layout yourself then there you may use your imagination, and invent a reward for yourself, based on the scale from 1 to 10.
Below you can download the PDF printable for active learning of the QWERTY-keyboard layout. VVV VVV VVV VVV
How many iterations it takes to learn the layout?
Fill out three templates with the score 10 – and you can be sure you know the keyboard. Perfect score (10 out of 10 squares filled correctly ) indicate that it is time to proceed to the next step – learning correct finger placement, which may also be efficiently practiced with the printed previously QWERTY layout.
Introducing erasable printables – virtual typing game for entire family.
By laminating the keyboard puzzle printable, you would instantly have a multi-use dry-erase sheets. You can use instant laminating pouches (the ones that do not require a laminating device) and dry-erase markers.
Now you can practice as many times as you need until you maximize your score and make it perfect.
Laminated sheets will also be prone to creases or stains, so you can take them anywhere with no worry.