Proper Keyboarding Posture & Techniques

Williams Technology Middle School

6th Grade Keyboarding Class of 2004-2005

By: Lisa M. Peterson

Introduction

According to research, fatigue is an important cause of keyboarding errors.

If typists maintain correct posture and use good techniques, fatigue can be lessened and errors reduced!

Is This You? “Distant Dan”

Errors occur on the upper-row keys if you sit too far away.

If you sit too close, errors occur on the bottom-row keys.

Distance = Hand span

Always sit 6 to 8 inches from your machine—the distance of your hand span.

This is the proper position to reach the keys comfortably.

Is This You?

Is This You? “Lounging Larry”

Leaning back in your chair may be fine for lounging — but not for typing!

Poor posture causes back problems and leads to fatigue.

Perfect Posture

Sit up straight with your hips all the way back in your chair.

Center your body in front of the letter J.

Adjust chair height. This will feel better in the

long run and help you type better too!

Is This You? “Winged Willie”

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…..no, it’s Winged Willie!

When you let your elbows come away from your side your “wings” will cause your forefingers to come off home row.

That means errors!

Keep elbows at your side and accuracy will Improve!

Is This You? Peekin’ Pete

When you take your eyes off the copy, you lose speed.

It takes time to search for the keys and then find your place in the book again and again.

Is This You? “Hunt ‘n Peck Howie”

Inventing your own finger pattern for operating the keys may be creative

HOWEVER It won’t get you very

far when developing speed!

Don’t Look at Your Hands!

Keep Eyes on Your Copy

Keep your hands on home row and reach for the keys from that position.

Force yourself to think where the keys are rather than look for them.

Is This You? “Dangle Dewey”

Feet should be flat on the floor /or/ “anchored” on a surface such as a footstool.

Keep Palms & Wrists Up!

Adjust Workstation

Keeping your wrists level will improve accuracy.

If the slope is too high or too low, you need to make some adjustments at your workstation.

When you place your hands on the keyboard, there should be a gentle slope upward from your elbows to your fingers.

Technique Checkpoints

Hand span from keyboard to body = distance

Sit up straight: use “J” as Centering Pt. Elbows at your sides Eyes on copy Feet flat on floor Palms/wrists up off keyboard/table

Is This You?

SUCCESS!

With practice and the use of good typing techniques you will soon learn all the key reach locations by touch.

Speed and accuracy will both improve.