I learned to touch-type on a basic mechanic typewriter in the late 80s -- no electricity whatsoever, you had to hit the keys very hard to make it work. The teacher was an old style professional typist; she was almost able to hear each mistake (in a class of 20 people).
There was a huge screen at the end of the classroom that showed a keybord; when the teacher would say "A" she would lit the letter up at the same time. She made us type bizarre and unnatural sequences of letters just to practice some fingers. It was quite funny at times, but I don't think I ever saw her smile.
It was an optional course that didn't give any credit and that you had to pay for (the rest of my education was free, as this took place in France). Best investment I ever made.
We must have had the same teacher (not really, mine was in Georgia). The old mechanical typewriters forced you to make crisp keystrokes. I'm sure it made a huge difference in my typing ability.
Another mechanical kb learner here.. but never took it long enough to get past learning the fingering stage.....I agree with the crisp keystrokes.... Now i guess my average should be around 40-50 wpm...
Comments
I learned to touch-type on a basic mechanic typewriter in the late 80s -- no electricity whatsoever, you had to hit the keys very hard to make it work. The teacher was an old style professional typist; she was almost able to hear each mistake (in a class of 20 people).
There was a huge screen at the end of the classroom that showed a keybord; when the teacher would say "A" she would lit the letter up at the same time. She made us type bizarre and unnatural sequences of letters just to practice some fingers. It was quite funny at times, but I don't think I ever saw her smile.
It was an optional course that didn't give any credit and that you had to pay for (the rest of my education was free, as this took place in France). Best investment I ever made.
We must have had the same teacher (not really, mine was in Georgia). The old mechanical typewriters forced you to make crisp keystrokes. I'm sure it made a huge difference in my typing ability.
I learnt to type on mechanical typewriters too.
They force a rhythm, and it's that rhythm which is useful when you're trying to increase speed.
I don't touch type now because I find it uncomfortable. I use three fingers on each hand. I'm very accurate, but not very fast. About 80 wpm.
There are much better typing tutors than Mavis Beacon though!
Another mechanical kb learner here.. but never took it long enough to get past learning the fingering stage.....I agree with the crisp keystrokes.... Now i guess my average should be around 40-50 wpm...