FREE online touch-typing learning materials: Your ...



Do you use a computer at work? Do you want to type more quickly and accurately? FREE online touch typing learning materials are now available.

A recent pilot in 19 NHS organisations, involving around 1000 NHS staff, showed that people, who can touch type save time, produce more accurate work and are less likely to suffer from repetitive strain injuries.

If you use a computer at work but cannot touch type (typing with all of your fingers and without looking at the keyboard) then these learning materials may be of use to you. The learning materials (‘e-type Professional’) are an online typing course which will have you touch typing faster and more accurately within two or three months by undertaking regular short practice sessions. The practice sessions are done at your own pace at work, home or anywhere that has a broadband connection.

If you would like to find out more please refer to the ‘Questions and Answers’ sheet below.

If you are interested in learning to touch type please complete the application form in the e-mail sent to you, and return.

On receipt of the application form, we will send you the web site address where the e-type professional learning materials can be found and your own unique user name and password. You will have access to the course until November 2013.

Yours sincerely

ICT Desktop Training Team

“You should seek permission from your line manager if you are taking the course during work hours. Please mark the box on the e-mail when you reply”.

FREE online touch typing learning materials (e-type Professional): Your questions answered.

What is ‘e-type Professional’?

e-type Professional is an online learning program from BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, that teaches touch typing skills.

What is touch typing?

Touch typing involves typing with all of your fingers whilst looking up at the computer screen, not down at the keyboard.

What are the benefits of being able to touch type?

You will type faster and therefore save time. Your typing will also be more accurate and you will reduce the risk of picking up ‘repetitive strain injuries’ (RSI).

How fast will I be able to type after using e-type?

Speeds will vary between individuals but most touch typists will achieve speeds of at least 40 words per minute (wpm) with practice. Some people even reach speeds of 100 wpm. Non touch typists struggle to reach 30 wpm and often have to spend time correcting their work afterwards.

Why are these learning materials being made available to NHS organisations?

A successful pilot held in 19 NHS organisations during the early part of 2010, and involving almost 1000 NHS staff from a variety of disciplines, proved that:-

• Staff who touch type were able to type faster and will therefore be more productive

• Staff were able to check their work as they typed, thus improving accuracy and saving time

• Staff adopted a better posture whilst working at the computer, which in turn reduced the chances of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) that could include neck and upper back problems caused by constantly looking down at the keyboard

• Faster, more accurate typing leads to greater productivity and better use of NHS resources.

How long does it take to learn to touch type?

It will depend on how much time you spend practicing and how determined you are. Some people learn with about 10 – 20 hours of practice over a period of three – four weeks. It might then take a few more weeks of regular practice to reach speeds of over 40 wpm.

How often should I practice?

Whilst you are learning to touch type, it is best to practice at least five days a week for 30 minutes to an hour, over a period of about 30 days. If you have been typing with two fingers for years, it may take you a little longer.

How long will I have access to the online learning materials?

You will be able to use the learning materials until November 2013. You will probably have learned to touch type within a couple of months, but you can then use the materials whenever you wish for ongoing practice and to check your speed and accuracy.

Where do I go to use the learning materials?

The materials are available on the Internet, so you can use them on any computer that has a broadband internet connection.

Who are the learning materials for?

Only NHS employees and contractors will be allowed to use the materials.

Can I share the learning materials with someone else?

No. If you let someone else use your course then you will be breaching the terms of the licence. You will be given a user name and a password so that you can access your course. As you progress through the course, it will save your scores and report your strengths and weaknesses to help your progress. If someone else uses your course, it will not accurately reflect your progress.

What sort of computer do I need?

You will need to have access to a computer with a broadband internet connection, a keyboard and audio output, either through the screen or through headphones. You will also need to read the Technical Requirements as shown at the bottom of this document, and acknowledge such in your response.

How do I get help if I have a problem?

The course is very easy to understand but if you are not sure what to do at any point, simply click on the ‘Help’ button. In the unlikely event you cannot log on to the course, or if the course does not seem to be working properly, you should contact the ICT Desktop Training Team via the following e-mail address ICT.Training@notts-his.nhs.uk

Will I get a Certificate?

You can take the Speed Test 2A in the e-type professional typing course menu, if you are successful in scoring 20 WPM, 40 WPM or 60 WPM all with 98% accuracy, you will receive either a BRONZE, SILVER or GOLD Progress Certificate respectively.

Yes, I want to do the course, so what do I do now?

Just click on the Reply button in the e-mail sent to you and complete the Application Form and then click Send.

Keep these Questions and Answers for future reference. Your trainer will enrol you on the programme and send you an email containing the web address, your user name and your password so that you can log onto the course.

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Technical Requirements

To use the learning materials and administration system, you and your students will need to have broadband (not dial-up) internet access with a minimum speed of 128 kbps. The PC they use will also need to have Flash 9 or above installed (Flash 10 if Windows 2000 is used). (This can be downloaded free from the internet via if necessary).

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