Typing Software for whole school use?

[SamanthaJane]

Hope this is in the right section, wasn't sure.

 

We are considering installing a 'learn to type' sort of software accross the school, where students and staff can improve their typing skills.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

Thanks.

[Scifigirl]

i like 2simples 2type,

 

works well and even our ta's who are a bit afraid of computers seem to take to it well!

 

 

special school 4-19 yr olds

[mrwobbly]

Tux Typing was written for schools. Fun and free.

[6Foot2]

This post has a couple:

 

Link: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/educational-software/106618-free-line-typing-tutors.html

[SamanthaJane]

Thanks guys - I like the sound of free software but I think Tux Typing might be a bit 'young' for our kids (11-18 comprehensive)

What are the online ones like Dave? I was thinking more about having something installed, but are online ones as good?

[6Foot2]

...What are the online ones like Dave?...

 

I couldn't say I am afraid. I found those after a query from one of our members of staff sent me off looking a solution. I forwarded the findings to the member of staff who made the original request and have heard nothing since.

[SamanthaJane]

Oh right - what do you think of this? Sounds too good to be true.

 

Free School Typing Tutor | Teach Typing Online | Teacher Portal

 

I like that the students will be able to track their progress, rather than having to start over each time, or have to create their own account which isn't ideal.

[Obiwan]

Thanks guys - I like the sound of free software but I think Tux Typing might be a bit 'young' for our kids (11-18 comprehensive)

What are the online ones like Dave? I was thinking more about having something installed, but are online ones as good?

 

There are loads out there, the free one listed seems ok, but like many is rather dry. Don't discount the game based or cartoon ones as whatever age you are, fundamentally practicing typing is pretty boring, however useful a skill it is. We had fun a while back using a load of single copies of 'Spongebob Typing', put them on netbooks and lent them out to primary schools. It's old but you can still find it around.

 

The classic is Mavis Beacon which does a good job of mixing up standard exercises with some games to keep your interest. Also it customises exercises towards your weak keys. Site licences may be pricey.

[SamanthaJane]

Does Tux Typing work on Windows 7 okay?

 

ETA - scrap that - tried it - it does. However I am not sure about the style of it, with regards to actually learning to type, seems more game based, which is good to have, but would prefer a bit more on the learning side.

Edited April 26, 2013 by SamanthaJane

[TechMonkey]

Primary here, but we use Typing Pal which is web based,. Is a cost but tracks progress and can be grouped in to classes for setting levels, say have to reach 95%. Individuals can then be adjusted to lower or raise to differentiate

[Obiwan]

Quite a lot of options here Typing Tutor, Typing Test and Typing games at rapidtyping.com Some of which seem free, some require signing in.

 

The 'Typing Tutor' here Typing Tutor: Download appears to be free and have a portable version which seems ok.

[dhicks]

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

We have a typing class run by an external teacher. Her class seemed to work their way through all the exercises in both Tux Typing and 2Simple 2Type quite quickly, so we ended up buying a site license for Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Site licenses are available (I can't remember exactly how much - couple of hundred pounds? - I think we bought it from Pugh Software), but the application itself doesn't look like it's been updated for several years (looks to be from about the Windows Vista era, from the install guide). It tracks users and so on, but there's no integration with Active Directory or anything like that.

[Obiwan]

Another we looked at years ago was KAZ typing. Learn to Type fast: touch type after 90 minutes training

Various versions now available, on line, off line etc. The basics are good, however I was put off by the quality of the audio which was a bit amateurish and doesn't seem to have improved.