The Truth About Learning to Type in the K-4

I attended a PLC for K-4 technology/computer teachers today and the subject of typing programs came up. In my opinion, this is probably the most controversial issue to talk about with K-4 technology/computer teachers. It opens up such a huge can of worms.

I continue to stand by the notion that typing in K-4 is not developmentally appropriate for students and it should not be taught. Keyboards are not designed for little hands. They are designed for adult hands with fully developed muscles and bones. The ergonomics of the keyboards are barely healthy for adults. Keyboarding, over time, causes carpal tunnel syndrome. As a former web designer, I can attest that it is painful and makes the use of one's hands difficult. Why would we want to force this practice on young children?

I tweeted an abbreviated form of this idea during a technology conference last week and was met with the reply that kids need to start somewhere when it comes to typing. Eighth graders should not be hunting and pecking. I didn't disagree. But I've found K-4 students to be more productive typing on an iPad, than a desktop or laptop. The traditional desktop or laptop keyboard has too many keys for young minds. It is too much data to process. It also requires students to look in two different places as they type (three places, if they are typing from a piece of paper). iPad typing is so much more kid-friendly. The keyboard is nicely compressed with only the essential keys for expressing their ideas. There is also the simplicity of working with one surface and seeing both the input and output on one screen.

But nevermind ergonomics, why do K-4 students NEED to learn to type. Typing is not a skill of 21st century learning. At least, it won't be for long. 20 years ago, we could not have imagined technologies like Siri, AutoCorrect, Predictive Searching or even the accessibility of video chat. In 20 years, it is reasonable to believe, we will have entirely new tools that allow us to express our ideas and emotions through technology in ways we can't yet imagine.

So again, I ask, why do K-4 students NEED to learn to type. The answer? So they can take a test. Another high stakes, standardized test that may or may not measure their learning over the course of a school year. This is not a productive use of technology in a K-4 classroom. This does not promote learning or thinking. This is doing more of the same with a higher price tag. If we truly want to promote learning and thinking, not only do we have to change the way we are teaching, we also have to change the way we are assessing. Online assessments are the way of the future. If we can create technology tools that allow us to differentiate our instruction in countless ways, surely the testing companies can develop tools that allow us assess student learning in the same way.

It's time to differentiate the test.