The Writer Learning Systems Staff Development Outline

The Writer Keyboard By Advanced Keyboard Technologies, Inc.

“Our challenge, as educators, is to ensure that the curriculum prepares the student for the future. With the overwhelming number of jobs requiring computer use, mastery of the keyboard is essential.” Iowa State Dept. of Public Instruction “Keyboarding today is as basic as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Students need to be trained properly at the onset of keyboard use to avoid the formation of incorrect keyboarding habits. The teaching of keyboarding is too important to leave to chance.” -Guidelines for Teaching Keyboarding Maine State Dept. of Education "In the computer age, keyboarding is not something that only some people do. Keyboarding is something that we all do. It is seen as pretty important that children get it in an intense, organized way.” -Lynn Schrum President ISTE International Society for Technology in Education

1

Staff Development Outline

1) Introduction a) Research, Rational and Goals

2) Writer Program Goals a) The instruction and development of proper keyboarding skills and

habits b) Application of keyboarding skills within the regular writing curriculum c) Utilization of The Writer to assist and improve student writing skills d) Utilization of the ClassOption Utility Suite for two-way file

communication and assessment

3) Basic Unit Operation a) Features and Function b) Enrolling c) Folder management d) Password Protection e) Beginning a file f) Changing the “Good Writing” Checklists g) Spell Check and Thesaurus h) Spanish translation i) Creative Writing Prompts j) Daily Journal k) Spell IT!!! l) Sending files to your computer m) Keyboard Instruction Operation

i) Beginning lessons ii) Homerow reinforcement iii) Shift-key reinforcement iv) Changing benchmark levels v) Assessment

2

4) Teaching Proper Keyboarding Skills and Habits Using The Writer a) Scheduling – 10-20 minutes daily, 4-5 days per week b) Ready, Set, Go! Video Series c) Start-Up – Posture and hand shape d) Homerow and Shift Key reinforcement e) Benchmarks: WPM, Accuracy, Homerow Points f) Assessment – Progress Report Printout g) Awards and Incentives Begin Slowly – Lay a Solid Foundation – Set High Expectations

5) Keyboard Instruction Recommended Overheads a) Keyboard layout and Special Function Keys b) Enrolling and Lesson Start Up c) Posture d) Hand Shape e) Shift Key

6) Keyboard Instruction Recommended Blacklines for Students a) Parent Bulletin b) Keyboard Layout c) Charting Progress d) N.O.P.E.C.K. Color Sheet

8) Improving Student Writing Using The Writer a) Brainstorming b) Entering then printing a rough draft c) Editing and revising

i) Steps and procedures ii) Utilizing the Good Writing Checklists iii) Creating a Workshop environment

d) Publishing i) Standard classroom assignments ii) Newsletters

e) Using The Writer with popular software programs i) Microsoft Word ii) PowerPoint iii) Inspiration iv) Publisher

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9) ClassOptions Utility Suite a) Set-Up b) Creating and sending a file to attached Writers c) Collecting files from attached Writers d) Create a class keyboarding report e) Back-up and restore files f) Create T/F, Multiple Choice and Essay questions g) Send quizzes and tests to one or all Writers h) Collect, Score, and Return Quizzes

Teacher Resources R-2Keyboard Layout

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Teacher Resources R-3Keyboarding Layout & Special Function Keys

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Teacher Resources R-5Enrolling - Lesson Start-up

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Teacher Resources R-14

Dear Parents,

Today there are a tremendous number of computers available to students.They are in our classrooms, the library, the computer lab and in many casesthe home. We know that through their use our students are developingkeyboarding habits. We want to make sure those habits are good ones!

Your son or daughter will soon be involved in a classroom-based keyboardinstruction program. Over the next six weeks, for about 20 minutes eachday, your son or daughter will be learning proper keyboarding posture, handshape and finger technique. They will be developing their speed, accuracyand form using the Writer, our portable keyboards.

We know that in today�s world good keyboarding skills are a basic literacyskill. They�re critical for full and complete use of the computer and will serveyour child well throughout their school career.

Please help us by reminding your son/daughter to sit up straight whenusing a computer and to always maintain homerow hand position.

The three goals of our keyboarding program are:1. To establish proper keyboarding posture and hand shape2. To establish proper keyboarding finger technique3. To build keyboarding speed and accuracy

We�re looking forward to our new keyboardingprogram and appreciate your assistance.

Best regards,

Parent Bulletµn

Parent Bulletin

N.O.P.E.C.K.National Organization for Proper Execution of the Computer Keyboard

Teacher Resources R-10Five Posture Points

1. Sit on the front portion of your chair with The Writer on the front edgeof the desk.

2. Sit with your back straight and shoulders up and level.

3. Arms should be relaxed and at your sides.

4. Wrists should always be straight while typing, and should not rest on anything.

5. Feet should be flat on the floor, with one foot slightly ahead of the other.

FivePosture

Points

Teacher Resources R-11Homerow Hand Positions

Hand Shape,Finger Placement,

Finger Stroke

Homerow Finger Placement

1. Fingers should rest gently or “float” on top of the homerow keys at all times.

2. Both thumbs should rest gently on the space bar.

Hand Shape and Finger Stroke

1. Fingers gently curled – “spider hands” or “scratching hands.”

2. Finger stroke should be a quick, sharp, tap with the fingertip on the key.

Teacher Resources R-13Shift Keys

Shift Keys

Left and Right Shift Key – “Shift - Tap - Return”

1. Using your little finger, press and hold the SHIFT key. Do your best to keep yourfingers on the homerow keys. (At least keep pointer fingers in place).

2. While the SHIFT key is being held down, using the other hand press the letterto be capitalized or the symbol to be typed.

3. Release the SHIFT key, and return all finger to the homerow position.

KeyAcademy By Writer Learning Systems

Keyboarding ReportTeacher: Mrs. LindenDate: 15-Mar-03

Most Recent Assessment Scores

StudentCurrent Lesson Level Date WPM

Percent Accuracy

Jeremy Stone 34 1 13-Oct-02 38 98Jennifer Hanson 54 1 13-Oct-02 24 89Enrique Gonzales 44 1 13-Oct-02 27 92Stuart Taylor 29 2 13-Oct-02 16 97Lisa Barnes 43 1 6-Oct-02 19 96Alison Silberman 41 1 13-Oct-02 22 99Gregory Pike 39 1 13-Oct-02 21 95Patrick Pedley 50 2 13-Oct-02 20 97Deborah Angeloff 51 2 13-Oct-02 19 98Jim Taylor 29 1 6-Oct-02 17 99Tom Baxter 44 1 13-Oct-02 18 94Maryjoe Andrews 48 1 13-Oct-02 22 97Stephanie Wilson 42 2 13-Oct-02 25 96Laura Starfield 47 1 13-Oct-02 27 94Natalie Barnes 50 1 13-Oct-02 38 93Michael Montana 38 1 13-Oct-02 24 97William Squarepants 40 1 6-Oct-02 27 97Kady Rodriguez 41 1 13-Oct-02 16 86Steven Anderson 47 1 13-Oct-02 19 89Jim Anthony 52 2 13-Oct-02 22 95Chris Michaels 53 1 13-Oct-02 21 96Pam Johnson 47 2 6-Oct-02 20 96Valerie Martinez 49 1 13-Oct-02 19 94Omar Shen 40 2 13-Oct-02 17 97Carol King 35 1 13-Oct-02 18 94Leif Johanson 37 1 6-Oct-02 22 97Royce Boudreau 44 1 13-Oct-02 25 93Miguel Escobar 42 1 13-Oct-02 27 97

WPMPercent Accuracy

Class Averages 22.5 95.1

ClassOptions™ Utility Suite Writer 2-Way Communication Utilities Basic Description: Up to 32 Writer units can be connected to The Writer PowerHub (which is in turn connected to a PC) for two-way transmission of files, tests, keyboard reports and more. The ClassOptions™ Utility Suite CD comes complete and ready to install on your desktop or laptop computer. ClassOptions™ Utility Suite includes:

• Backup and Restore • Get • Send • Collect • Keyboard Instruction Group Report • QuizMaker • QuizGrader • New program distribution

1. Backup and Restore- allows for the instant backup and restoration of all

student data on all attached Writer keyboards.

Backup and restored data will include: • Folder information • All files • Keyboard lesson data and assessment data • All Writer programs

2. Get – Allows for the retrieval of files (by name) from any or all attached Writer

units. 3. Send – Allows for the sending of files from your computer to any or all folders

in attached Writer units. 4. Collect – Allows for one-step collection of files by name from all attached

Writer units. Teacher determines the file to be collected. All files of that name will be collected at one time and automatically placed in a folder.

5. Keyboard Class Report - Allows for a one “click” collection of all keyboard Assessment Data for the creation of a one page Class Keyboard Report.

6. QuizMaker - Allows teachers to easily create T – F, Multiple Choice, and essay tests and quizzes. Tests can then be sent to any or all Writers (into specific student work folders).

7. QuizGrader – After the test or quiz has been completed by the student (on The Writer), QuizGrader collects the quiz for automatic scoring.

8. New program distribution- Allows for the adding or deleting of programs on all attached Writer units.

Creating Document Templates Document templates are a great way to quickly and conveniently establish the “look” that you would like to see for any piece of writing you are requiring from your students. Once created, you and your students have an easy to access source of custom stationary.

1. Establish your stationary Font type Font size Margins Borders, artwork, line spacing, etc.

2. Then save the document on your desktop as a “Document Template”.

On your desktop, you will see this icon:

For quick access to this template, drag this icon to your bottom tool bar.

Simply click on this icon to pull up a blank document

Drag icon to bottom tool bar

Keyboarding Report Template The font, font size and margins must be adjusted on the computer before sending a Keyboard Progress Report. (Otherwise, report columns will not be aligned properly) Make the adjustments as shown below and then follow the steps in the second illustration to save this format as a Document Template ♦ Font: Courier New, ♦ Size: 10pt. ♦ Margins: .5 in. left and right

Once you’ve created the document above, save it on the desktop as a “Document Template”. Every time you click on this “Keyboard Report Template” icon, you will open a blank sheet preset with the appropriate font, font size and margins. For greater convenience, drag that icon from the desktop to the tool bar at the bottom of your screen.

Troubleshooting The Writer

Not sending files to the computer Check: 1. file is open on The Writer 2. Word document is open on the computer 3. USB infrared receiver is plugged into both computer and infrared receiver

(try unplugging and replugging receiver)

Screen is blank when Power button is pressed 1. Check batteries 2. Check contrast adjustment. Adjust with small flat screwdriver in small hole

on back

“Aborting App. “ message on the screen Writer Unit needs to be initialized

With The Writer turned OFF, press and hold ESC and Z keys. Tap the ON key, wait one full second then release the ESC and Z keys. Master Reset Password is ACE135

Text is not sending accurately

Writer is too close to receiver The Writer should be 6 inches to three feet away when sending

Writer is moving during the sending period

Best to place The Writer down on the counter or desk, then press "Send". Writer is sending data too quickly for the computer or writing software to handle

Try slowing the rate of send. Open a work folder, then press Alt - i Enter 25 as the new rate, press enter and try again.

The florescent lighting in the room is of such intensity that it interferes with the signal

Try turning off the lights, then send a file. If all is well, this is the problem. This can easily be solved by taping a construction paper hood onto the receiver (like a baseball cap) or cutting out a small piece of construction paper the size of the amber window (on the front of the receiver), punching a small hole in the center of the construction paper and then taping the paper to the amber receiver window. This blocks all unwanted light rays.

Writer Operation Hot Sheet Vers. 3.03 Intended for Instructor Use Only

Writing Mode How Do I… delete a folder? Press Alt-D while in the “Work Folder” screen. (Caution - information cannot be restored)

delete a file? Press the “Delete File” key while in the file or while in the “Work Folder” screen

create a folder password? Press ALT-P while in the “Work Folder” screen

change or delete a student password? Press the “F” key of the folder you would like to access. At the “Enter Password” prompt, press Alt-T. The teacher master password is FIELD

change the folder name? Press Alt-F while in the “Work Folder” screen

change the student name? Press Alt-N while in the “Work Folder” screen

change the Self-Editing Checklist at the bottom of the page?

Press Alt-C while in the written file

access more word options? (thesaurus mode) Place cursor on word, then press the Thesaurus key multiple times – use arrows to scroll down

access Auto-Thesaurus? Press option-Thesaurus while in the written file

access Auto-Thesaurus and Writing Checklist Editor? Press Alt-Apps while in the work folder screen

initialize The Writer? (WARNING – This is a complete reboot, all data will be erased)

With unit Off, press Esc – Z, tap the ON key, wait one second, then release ESC – Z. Initializing code: ACE135, then press Enter

access Adjective Builder? Press Alt-A while in the written file

access Writing Prompts, Daily Journal File, and Spell It! Program?

Press the Apps key while in the “Work Folder” screen

access Spanish to English Dictionary? Place cursor on Spanish word, press Alt-S. Select appropriate English word, press Enter

access Word Prediction program? Press Alt-W while in the written file. Press Esc to turn off

access folder F9 – F16? Press Alt at the folder selection screen then press any “F” key

set date and clock? Turn The Writer on, then press Option-Alt-C. Use arrow keys to select date and time

Transferring a file to a Mac or PC How do I… send only the text ? (no heading or checklist) Hold down the “Option” key while pressing the “Send” key

What do I do if…

the file is not sending accurately or not sent at all?

Be sure connections are secure and plugs are installed properly. Unplug and replug receiver. Be sure that there is nothing interfering with the signal between The Writer and IR receiver. If the file is not being sent accurately, you may need to slow down the rate of transmission. Press Alt-I while in the “Work Folder” screen. (0 = fast 50 = slow). Before pressing the send key, be sure that the file on The Writer is open, open a word processing program and be sure there is a cursor blinking on blank page.

Keyboarding Mode How Do I… change benchmark levels? Press Alt-L while in the student keyboarding menu screen

advance lessons so that I begin at a higher lesson? Press Alt-N while in the student keyboarding menu screen

turn off the homerow reinforcement system? (“Press all homerow keys”)

Press Alt-H while in the student keyboarding menu screen

restart student at lesson #1? Press Alt-R while in Keyboarding menu screen

turn off the Shift Key reinforcement? Press Alt-S while in the student keyboarding menu screen

print out a Progress Report? Press “Send to computer” or “Send to printer” while in the Keyboarding Menu screen

print a class report – all students on one page? Open a spreadsheet document, press Option –Send while in the Keyboarding Menu screen

Why can’t I …

make capital letters? Check to see if the proper shift key is being used. The Shift Key reinforcement system only allows students to make capital letters if they are using the proper shift key.

make the Progress Report columns come out right? Prior to sending the Keyboarding Progress Report, set the font to New Courier, size 9 pt. (You may need to make the margins narrower as well. We recommend that you create a document template with these settings.

* ”Work Folder Screen” – that screen showing the folder name at the top right corner.

Notes:

The Writer Learning System (800) 797-7121 www.keyboardinstructor.com info@keyboardinstructor.com

Advanced Keyboard Technologies, Inc.