18 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.TECHLEARNING.COM
By Sheri McNairProduct Description: TypeTastic! is an interactive, game-based
program designed to help K–5 students build typing proficiency,
one fun-filled game at a time.Quality and Effectiveness: TypeTastic! uses leveled gameplay
to engage students in learning how to use a mouse or touchscreen
and progressing to letter placement recognition and using keys
on a QWERTY keyboard. Designed for students in grades K–5,
TypeTastic! offers more than thirty different games and ten skill
levels. During each game, students can recognize and correct
any errors in order to complete the task. For the more
basic levels (Let’s Build a Keyboard and Hop onto
the Keys), there are no time limits on game play.
This eliminates anxiety and enables students to
learn at their own pace. After completing each
game, students progress to a new game and
build on skills learned previously. TypeTastic!
helps students build skills in the following areas
(depending on their grade and typing skill level):
placement of keys on a keyboard, hand dexterity,
typing from muscle memory, letter recognition,
color recognition, punctuation recognition, reading
comprehension, ordering, and problem solving.Ease of Use: Because TypeTastic! is browser-based, it doesn’t require
preloading of software onto computers or devices. The TypeTastic!
interface is organized, colorful, kid-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Teachers have the choice of utilizing TypeTastic! or signing up for thead-free version. Teachers who sign up for the ad-free
version will receive an access code that students
can use to log in. Each game level is clearly
numbered, and a game begins with one click
of the play button. Short, easy-to-understand
written instructions are followed by a graphic
interpretation of the instructions and modeling
of the game. The scaffolded instructions allow
all students, emergent and fluent readers alike, to
understand the game task at hand. Bright colors, fun
characters, catchy melodies, and sound effects all add to
the overall appeal of this website. Where necessary, students
have the option to mute the audio and play silently.Creative Use of Technology: Learning key recognition through game
play allows students to be engaged in the learning process. As they play
these fun and interactive games at each level, students gain not only
keyboarding skills but also self-assessment skills, as they recognize
typing mistakes, correct them, and move on. Because students are
learning at their own pace in a risk-free environment, they remain
motivated and learn valuable problem-solving skills as well.Suitability for Use in a School Environment: TypeTastic! is
browser-based, so users can start to play immediately and seamlessly
in a school or homeschool setting. The version with ads features only
COPPA-compliant ads. Teachers and homeschool instructors can sign
up for a free, ad-free version of the same program.PRODUCT REVIEWS
TYPETASTIC!
typetastic.com/ (COPPA-compliant ads) n edu.typetastic.com/ (ad-free, teacher sign-up required) n Retail Price: Both versions are free.TOP FEATURES
- Free, browser-based website with the option to sign up for a free, ad-free
version. - Game-based learning environment, so students are building keyboarding skills
in a fun and engaging way. - Multiple levels allow students to build and master each stage before moving
on. Likewise, the ability to freely move to any level of play allows teachers to
start individual students at their own skill levels.
OVERALL RATING:
The game-based
approach to learning the
keyboard, including the
colorful, user-friendly graphics
and interface, makes this program
a great choice for teachers and
homeschool instructors. Add
to that the fact that it’s also
browser-based and ad-free,
and you have a winning
combination.WWW.TECHLEARNING.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 19