Typing Instructor Review

We are trying out a new Typing Program this year called Typing Instructor. It’s still new in our house but so far I like it. My daughter loves all the fun games, and story typing. I like that the program tracks their progress and will continue to work on the skills they need to master. The game island is great because it will only use the keys that your student has already learned! They can play through games while practicing their typing skills…very cool!

 

 

Another thing I like is that there are several levels of courses to choose from depending on skill level. There are 20+ typing level courses total, you can start at the very beginning Ages 8-9 Course, the Home Row level, then go all the way up through to an Advanced Keyboarding Course. This makes me think I won’t have to search for a new typing program on a yearly basis.

What’s The Cost? You can purchase a CD version for Windows or MAC for about $30 (You can usually get them at Sam’s, Costco, or online.)

There is also an online version where you’ll go to their site each day, log in to do your lesson. Prices are below:

• 3.95 – 7 days
• 6.95 – Monthly
• $14.95 – 3 Months
• $29.95 – Yearly (Although right now they’re offering a 50% off sale ($14.95/yr) on yearly plans)
• You can also get more information on Multi-User Licenses for Schools here.

 

How Does it Work?

The lessons show an onscreen keyboard to help guide you to the proper place, and there are voice commands to help as well. As they type the cursor goes over the letters, if they make a mistake the letter turns red and buzzes so they know to go back and fix it. One thing I really like is that they’re looking at the screen as they type so they’re not trying to look at a separate book, then over at the screen, then check their fingers all at the same time.

 

 

Each lesson takes about 15 minutes or so to complete depending on the level, I have Strawberry Shortcake and Turbo do theirs back to back since we have the CD version. I was able to set up two users and they just login as their own user so the system keeps track of where they are and what level’s they’ve completed.

 

 

See for yourself: There are free typing trials so you can check it out for yourself, just visit Typing Instructor to see all the options.

We’ve just started this with Turbo and Strawberry Shortcake, so I’ll keep you posted on how it goes, but for now I give it a thumbs up on teaching typing!