The Connection Between Keyboarding and Literacy Skills

How Keyboarding Connects to Literacy

In today’s digital age, keyboarding skills for students have become an essential literacy skill, directly pertaining to one’s ability to write effectively. While traditional literacy can allow a student to read content that is typed, the ability to “write” using digital methods is more complicated. Those who have not learned to be proficient in keyboarding are forced to use the “hunt and peck” method, which can be slow and inefficient.

In the academic environment, a lack of keyboarding skills reduces the student’s ability to communicate effectively, typically resulting in fewer words communicated, less “flow” between cognitive thoughts and the communication of those thoughts on the screen, and decreased confidence.

Because of this, it is important for students to learn keyboarding, not only for literacy skills but for future-readiness.

How Keyboarding can Enhance Literacy

Since keyboarding is a form of written communication, it has a direct impact on the “communicating” part of literacy. Below are some examples of how keyboarding enhances students’ literacy skills.

1. Speed and Efficiency

One of the most important links between keyboarding and literacy is the speed and efficiency with which students can produce written content. Typing is generally faster than handwriting, allowing students to compose, edit and revise their work more quickly. This increased efficiency can boost their overall productivity, enabling them to explore and express their ideas more effectively, while decreased efficiency can hinder the student’s ability to communicate digitally. 

2. Digital Composition:

With the proliferation of digital media, students are often required to produce content electronically. Keyboarding skills enable students to navigate word processing software and other digital writing tools effectively. Proficiency in these digital platforms is essential for modern literacy as well as future academic and professional success. 

3. Writing and Editing

The editing process is a fundamental component of strong writing skills. Keyboarding allows students to make quick and efficient revisions to their work, teaching them the importance of self-editing and providing opportunities to refine their writing skills.

4. Multimodal Literacy 

In today’s world, literacy extends beyond text. Students need to be proficient in multimedia communication, which often includes but is not necessarily confined to keyboarding. This can include writing and formatting text in presentations, creating digital graphics and participating in online discussions. 

5. Future-Ready Skills

The workplace of the future demands digital literacy skills. As students transition to higher education and eventually enter the job market, they will encounter numerous challenges where proficiency in keyboarding is likely critical, and at least helpful. 

Final Thoughts

Incorporating keyboarding instruction into elementary education can have far-reaching benefits for students beyond the ability to type quickly and accurately. It plays a vital role in enhancing literacy skills, fostering digital proficiency, and preparing students for a future that increasingly relies on technology.

For more information on Learning.com’s award-winning keyboarding curriculum for students, click the button below.

Further Reading