Type to Learn Jr.

Age Group: Age 4 to 8 Type: Computer Toolbox, Teaching Tools Price: $80

PC version requires:
486 DX/2 66 processor, Windows 3.1 +, 8MB RAM, 60 MB HD, sound card, 4X CD-ROM, 256 colours

Mac version requires:
Mac or Power Mac, 68040, System 7.0, 10MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, Quicktime 3.0 or later, thousands of colours

Description:

The script that comes with the invaluable teaching guide states that "Type to Learn Jr. provides an engaging and informative introduction to computer keyboarding skills for young children". My only disagreement is that the company is under selling itself here. This software is inviting and so friendly to young children learning their basic skills, that I would love to see the older version for my students.

The CD is a school-based program, but the great advantage is that every child can learn at their own pace. Moreover, the software is made so that different children can log in under their own names. The program records the activities completed by each child so a teacher can feel more secure in teaching children with different abilities and skill levels.

Children are guided along the different typing activities by very friendly voices. Your typing is based around three main characters - Tiny the flying Elephant, Cassie the Owl and Hopkins the Rabbit. There is also the leaning center which teaches even more skills.

Each of the three main characters teaches skills in one of three different levels. As children succeed with one level they can select to progress to the higher one. For example, Hopkins has to locate his personal treasures. To allow him to dig his way underground featured letters must be correctly typed. Cassie' s personal belongings are thrown out of her nest by a strong wind. To retrieve them sets of letters must be typed. Tiny flies across the sky but only if rhyming words are selected from various choices and the correct letters typed in.

The Learning Center teaches posture, the alphabet, numbers, upper and lower case, punctuation and more.

As they achieve their goals they are entitled to a Certificate to be printed which acknowledges their accomplishments. Before this is done, children are verbally thanked along the way and encouraged by their guides.

Another great feature is the special section on the software for teachers. Here they can add children's names, adjust settings for children and monitor their progress .

Finally, there is a supportive teaching manual which lists all the required work, all words, sentences and so forth. Its value is as a back-up for the teacher so that they know everything that is on the software, and more. This teaching manual also provides masters to photocopy work sheets/ activities, alphabet and rhyming cards.

Features:

• Thinking skills
• Reading skills
• Typing skills
• Vocabulary
• Word construction
• Multi-level difficulty
• Certificates of acknowledgment

Technical Aspects:

The CD installed with ease. There was no effort other than keying in a few strokes as prompted by the software after clicking its icon. Easy.

Report and Conclusions:

Teaching older students, I am keen now to get my hands on the Type to Learn software that is NOT for juniors. If it is as user friendly as this software, if it supports learning by students and teachers as well as this one, then I would place it in my 'must have' collection which every teacher has.

The graphics are great, and simple. They are made to attract the younger kids and they work. The program does not teach touch typing, but you cannot expect elementary school children to learn 30 words per minute at age eight.

I would also argue that this program is useful even for younger children. My wife teaches six and seven year olds and she believes that some of her charges could use it with relative ease, such is the brilliance with which it was produced. Thank you, Sunburst.