E-mail: circuits@nytimes.com

February 23, 1999 [published March 4, 1999]

To the Editor of Circuits,

Your recent article about typing, "It's Like Typing Class, but You Set the Rhythm" (February 18), points out an important reality of our computer-enhanced environment. Since the primary method of interacting with today's computers is through a keyboard, almost everyone needs to master keyboarding skills. This need applies to corporate executives as well as ever-younger children who have not yet developed high-level language skills. From interacting with e-mail communications to developing original thought-driven documents, keyboarding -- not old-fashioned typing -- is an inescapable part of our lives in the computer age.

All the programs mentioned in the article, however, are home-row based programs having their roots in typewriter technology. They do not address the importance of teaching ergonomics and correct use of hands, fingers and body alignment in acquiring the essential habits of appropriate keyboarding -- requiring live teaching or mediation. Appropriately taught, keyboarding enables a flow up and down the diagonal staircase of keys, by virtue of movement from the shoulder. It does not rely on the work of fingers in isolation -- a system that leaves many of the underlying causes of keyboarding difficulty unaddressed, not to mention repetitive stress injury. Organically taught, rather than by drill, speed flows from accuracy. Keyboarding can be taught quickly and enjoyably, both for adults using it immediately for e-mail communications, and children to enhance their needs for self expression. *** These observations are based on my experience over 7-8 years in developing, testing and refining in a tutoring environment an approach to keyboarding that addresses these issues.***

The acquisition of keyboarding skills using conventional programs has beendifficult and boring for many adults and children -- compounded for many by the presence of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), poor organizational skills, poor organization in space, poor handwriting, and undifferentiated ring and pinky fingers. These situations, as well as the near-universal need to interact with current technology, can be addressed with a methodology that consists of an intellectually engaging LANGUAGE-BASED system. Nothing less will make the acquisition of keyboarding the universal skill that current technology requires.

Sincerely,

Elspeth Sladden www.thelearningstudio.com