A field study report of intensive computer keyboard training with schoolchildren.
A video-based keyboard skills training programme was used to teach primary and secondary school students to touch type, in ten 45-min lessons. Previous research (Glencross and Bluhm, 1986) had found the programme to be successful in training a variety of personnel in the workforce. In all, 197 students (105 females, 92 males) received instruction over a two-week period. The influence of age (11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18 years) and sex on keyboard operating speed and accuracy were examined. Speed tests were conducted after the second and ninth lesson. Significant improvements in speed of typing were recorded for all age categories. Age and sex were found to be associated with speed of typing and rate of improvement across tests. Error rates remained constant across tests.