The Role of Keyboarding in Academic Success

Although keyboarding skills may evolve in the future, to date, it continues to be an integral skill in academic performance and success.

How Do Keyboarding Skills Affect Academic Performance?

In today’s digital age, keyboarding skills have become increasingly important for academic success. Students find themselves using digital tools to type essays, take notes, complete research projects, and take online exams or assessments more than ever before. The ability to keyboard effectively not only enhances productivity in these challenges, but also plays a pivotal role in academic performance.

Cognitive Load Reduction 

One of the primary ways keyboarding skills for students aid in academic success is by reducing cognitive load. In any lesson, assignment, or assessment that includes keyboarding, a student’s typing proficiency can either aid or hinder their cognitive load.

If a student has mastered keyboarding efficiency, they won’t be slowed as they commit their thoughts to the screen, meaning they can better maintain a train of thought as they can dedicate significantly less effort to the keyboarding process. 

However, if the student hasn’t mastered keyboarding skills (e.g. those who use the “hunt-and-peck” method of keyboarding), part of their cognitive load will be dedicated to finding and pressing keys, identifying and resolving errors, and more. This can cause slower performance, incomplete assignments, shorter paragraphs, greater errors, etc.

Confidence & Expression

Students who are proficient in keyboarding will have more confidence in themselves not only in keyboarding-related academic challenges but in their education in general. Keyboarding transcends computer science classes, extending into curriculum for English literature, history, science and more. With more and more curriculum bands including technology in assignments and assessments alike, those students who fall behind in basic skills such as keyboarding suffer. 

Efficiency & Time Savings

One of the most significant academic advantages of good keyboarding skills is improved efficiency and time management. Typing quickly and accurately allows students to complete assignments and tasks more swiftly. This efficiency gives them more time to focus on understanding the content and refining their work. In a fast-paced academic environment, time is often of the essence, and keyboarding proficiency can make a noticeable difference.

Assignments & Assessments

As online learning platforms and digital communication tools become increasingly prevalent in education, keyboarding skills are essential for everyday assignments as well as assessments. Students must navigate online exams, discussions and collaborative projects, all of which require effective digital communication. Proficient typing ensures that students can express themselves clearly and engage actively in these online activities.

College-Readiness

Keyboarding skills are a fundamental component of college readiness, as they enable students to navigate the digital landscape of higher education with confidence and competence. In the college environment, a significant portion of coursework and communication occurs through digital platforms, requiring students to type essays, participate in online discussions, and complete assignments efficiently. Proficient keyboarding not only allows students to keep up with the pace of college-level work but also empowers them to focus on understanding and analyzing the subject matter rather than struggling with the mechanics of typing.

Additionally, these skills are vital for effective research, data analysis and presentation of findings, all of which are integral to academic success in college and beyond. Moreover, as higher education increasingly embraces online and hybrid learning models, students with strong keyboarding abilities are better equipped to excel in a variety of academic contexts, making them more adaptable and prepared for the college experience.

Final Thoughts

While the purpose of keyboarding skills in education will continue to evolve, this skill has a notable impact on current and future academic performance for students. For more information about the importance of keyboarding skills or to explore keyboarding curriculum through Learning.com, click the button below.

Further Reading