Keyboard Connection Lessons
Keyboard Connection Lessons
Each Keyboard Connection lesson is designed to minimize teacher preparation. The lessons are called circuits, and each contains six components to be completed during the half hour of instructional time.
Teachers will want to read through the Keyboard Connection circuits the day before they teach it, but beyond that, there should not be much preparation as long as the teacher has the circuit in front of them as they teach. Teachers will need to decide how much time they can allot for each component of each circuit.
Tips for a Clear Connection
The "Tips for a clear connection" portion of the circuit explains how each component is to be completed:
The Reconnect section is the warmup for students. Teachers may find it beneficial to train students to log on and begin keying their Reconnect lines as soon as Keyboarding class time begins. This gives the teacher the flexibility to help students who arrive late, have questions, or need extra help logging on.
The Connect section of the lesson is the time for direct instruction. This is when teachers will review finger reaches, remind students about proper technique, dictate lines, and give feedback to the class.
The Static-Free Connection portion of the lesson the time for students to practice. This is a perfect time to use the timing music on the Keyboard Connection CD since often students are instructed to type each line for a specific amount of time and improve on each attempt. Again, teachers should actively observe students and offer positive and corrective feedback.
The Remote Connection component is the students' independent, intensive vocabulary practice. Students need to pay attention to the instructions provided in the "Tips for a clear connection" box each day to understand how best to practice the MFUW on the list.
The High Speed Connection portion of the circuit is the time for speed building, application, and formative assessment. This is a great time for teachers to get the class pumped up and excited to see how quickly and accurately they can type! Encourage the students, give them challenges, and make it fun! This is also a great time to use the timing music on the Keyboard Connection CD.
Modifications may need to be made to circuits from time to time in order for teachers to accommodate for various skill levels, time constraints, or reteaching needs. It is hoped that generally the lessons will not need to be modified, but teachers should not hesitate to make each lesson "their own". It may also be tempting for teachers to have students work through the program entirely independently, but it is important to remember that the instructor is vital in ensuring keyboarding success. Remember to stay actively involved in each lesson. Instruct, review, provide feedback, offer rewards and incentives, use certificates, technique checklists, stickers, and whatever else your students find motivating, and be fully engaged in each lesson. Remember the four critical elements of any strong keyboarding instruction experience, as explain in the introduction of Keyboard Connection:
- An informed and highly engaged teacher
- Zero tolerance for poor keyboarding technique
- A strong focus on the development of keyboarding vocabulary
- Students who are motivated to "take ownership" of the development of their keyboarding skill and are excited about the process
Circuit 1
Independently read through the plan for Circuit 1 in Keyboard Connection. Think about the grade level you will be teaching. What schedule do you think will work best to complete Circuit 1 in a half hour? How much time do you anticipate each component of the circuit will take? Are there some components that will take more time than others?
Click the following link to download a pdf copy of the Technique Lessons Introduction and Technique Review Lesson 1: