Touch typing and keyboard skills

About this course

Learners are introduced to the QWERTY keyboard, starting with the home keys before working progressively through the alphabet keys. Practice focuses on typing without looking at the keyboard, using all ten fingers and developing accuracy through muscle memory. Teaching combines step-by-step guidance with opportunities to complete tasks independently, in pairs and in groups. The course also covers posture, equipment positioning, computer-related health and safety, and ways to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury and eye strain.

What you'll learn

• Recognise the layout of a QWERTY keyboard
• Identify the home keys and explain their role in touch typing
• Type using all ten fingers while looking at the screen rather than the keyboard
• Apply correct posture and equipment positioning when typing
• Reach a typing speed of approximately 15 to 20 words per minute
• Identify ways to reduce the risk of injury when typing

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners, and no previous knowledge or experience is required. It may also suit learners who have developed their own typing method and want to learn a more structured approach. Participants will follow spoken and written instructions, work independently and with others, and complete work outside class.

• Requires following spoken and written instructions
• Includes individual, paired and group activities
• Includes work to complete outside the classroom

Before you go

• Bring a pen, lined A4 paper and a file for keeping course work.
• Handouts and a Google Classroom code are provided for accessing materials and videos online.