Typing Accuracy

Before you can become a virtuoso on the piano, you must first be able to play scales without hitting any wrong notes. The same principle applies to mastering the computer keyboard.

Why Accuracy Before Speed?

At the start of the Typing Pal training program, users need to focus on accuracy, not on speed. This is as true for the typist who is in the habit of using just a few fingers as for the beginner who has never typed.

When you take the time to type without making mistakes, your fingers will get used to the correct movements. These motions will be written into your muscle memory. When this memory becomes more developed, it will allow you to type quickly without having to think or to look at the keyboard.

In this way, the total beginner actually has an advantage over the typist who has used an incorrect method for years, as this person will need to reprogram his or her muscle memory. This is why researchers recommend using an established method for learning to type, and starting at a young age.

The Typing Pal Approach

The Typing Pal program puts a lot of emphasis on accuracy as the basis of the learning approach.

  1. Accuracy: Your No. 1 Priority — Along with speed, accuracy is the main target you will work towards in the activities under the Learning tab. If you are making a lot of mistakes, lower the target speed so that you can focus on your accuracy.
  2. Gold Stars for Encouragement — To encourage you in developing an accurate typing technique, Typing Pal celebrates your successes with a shower of stars. These activities are marked with a gold star. The larger your collection of gold stars, the greater your keyboard skills!
  3. No Progress Without Perfection — If you type the wrong key by mistake, Typing Pal does not allow you to continue the exercise until you have typed the correct character. This approach contributes to the development of perfect typing accuracy, as well as encouraging you to keep your eyes on the screen.
  4. Deleting Wastes Time — The backspace key is sometimes overused or relied on as a crutch. To avoid developing this bad habit, Typing Pal does not let you use the backspace. Accurate typing is always more efficient than quick correction.