Dance Mat Typing!
I found this exceptional web application on Cindy Putnam’s blog. After a few minutes testing it out, I knew Dance Mat Typing was going to be a hit with the kids, but more than that, it would get them actually typing. The right way.
Now, I will admit, a few students who choose not to follow the directions from me or the talking Rock ‘N Roll Goat (or Opera Octopus, Hillbilly Rooster, et. all) are still doing a bit of “seek and destroy” pointer finger typing. But the majority of the kids who are giving it a little effort are seeing great rewards. They are typing without looking at their hands. Their eyes are lighting up. They are both amazed at this quickly learned ability and proud of themselves for seeing that trying will get them somewhere. Lastly, those students with internet access at home (and some in the classroom–early finishers I suppose) are actually practicing typing with Dance Mat on their own free time.
“Wow” is all I have to say.
And I will admit, I can type without looking at my hands, but I don’t type the proper way. Well, I do peek at my hands now and then. I’ve actually been doing Dance Mat Typing on the weekends at home. Who doesn’t mind learning typing from a belly-dancing hippopotamus? Click on the image to visit Dance Mat Typing!
