This document discusses keyboarding basics and proper technique. It covers ergonomics and setting up a healthy workstation. Proper technique includes sitting up straight, keeping wrists flat and fingers on the home row keys. Following proper technique helps users type faster and avoid injuries, while improper technique can increase risks of health problems and slow typing speed. The course will focus on lessons and evaluations to improve keyboarding skills.

1. Keyboarding Basics

2. What we are going to be talking about…
 Ergonomics
 The Keyboard
 Proper Technique
 Advantages to Proper Technique
 When Proper Technique is Not Followed
 Keyboarding Expectations for the Semester
Image from MS Office Clip Art

3. Ergonomics Definition
Ergonomics is the application of working
in a safe environment while on your
home PC or Laptop. Posture is very
important when it comes to working on
a computer.
Image from MS Office Clip Art

4. Tips for an Ergonomic Computer Workstation
 Top of monitor should be 2-3" above eye level
No glare should be apparent on screen
 Sit at arms length from monitor about 2-3 feet
 Feet flat on floor and not crossed
 Wrists flat and straight in relation to forearms to
use keyboard/mouse/input device
Arms and elbows relaxed close to body
 Center monitor and keyboard in front of you
 Take frequent short breaks

5. The QWERTY KEYBOARD
The QWERTY keyboard was designed in the 1800s for mechanical
typewriters and was actually designed to slow typists down to avoid
jamming the keys. It was named after the first six keys on the keyboard.
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6. What Proper Technique Looks Like…
Image from MS Office Clip Art
 Sit up straight
 Feet flat on the floor
 Arms near side and
wrists straight

7. Proper Technique Details
 Fingers on home row keys (MicroType)
 Correct fingering (MicroType)
 Eyes on copy
 Reasonable Rhythm
Image from MS Office Clip Art

8. Proper Technique Details
 Wrists off the keyboard
 Fingers on home row keys - asdf jkl;
Image from MS Office Clip Art

9. Proper Technique Details
 Right little finger on
Enter
 Thumb used on space
bar

10. Technique Evaluation
TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATED
1st 2nd 3rd FINAL
Correct Body Position
1. Maintains proper distance from machine
and holds body in an upright position but
relaxed.
1. Feet anchored for balance
Correct Finger Position
1. Keeps fingers curved, upright and in
keying position.
Correct Stroking
1. Makes quick strokes with immediate key
release
1. Uses correct finger for each key
1. Uses shift key without pausing while other
fingers remain in position
1. Uses enter key while maintaining even
stroking.
TOTAL 28 28 28 28

11. If Proper Technique is Followed…
 You will type faster.
 You will make fewer mistakes.
 You will be able to type longer without getting as
tired.
 It will be less likely that you will have health
problems with your hands and wrists.

12. If Proper Technique is NOT Followed…
 You run the risk of developing a variety of health
problems that deal with your hands/wrists, back,
neck/shoulders, or eyes, and Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome.
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive strain injury
produced by making the same small movements
associated wit keyboarding.
 It may take you longer to complete a task.
 You may tire faster.

13. Keyboarding Expectations
 In Computer Solutions, throughout the semester,
you will be learning and perfecting your keyboarding
skills. In order to do so you will complete the
following…
 Alphabetic Lessons in MicroType
 Numeric Keyboarding Lessons in MicroType
 Timed Writings
 Technique Evaluations