It is important that districts develop plans for keyboarding instruction as they both prepare for the transition to theNYSNext Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards, and transform teaching, learning, and assessment environments to meet the needs of21stCentury students. The following information may be of use as schools and districts develop plans or curriculum maps:
Keyboarding Software
NYSEDreleased a survey in September 2017 to gain a better understanding of current keyboarding instruction in New York State schools. In the survey, respondents were asked to identify keyboarding programs currently being utilized in their schools. A list of the most widely-used software applications can be found on The Office of Educational Design and Technology’s website.
Please note thatNYSEDdoes not require, recommend, endorse, or advise on any specific program or product. All instructional decisions are made at the local level. If you have any questions about software options or attributes of quality keyboarding software, please contact your school/district technology leader,BOCES, or Regional Information Center.
Sample High-Level Keyboarding Instructional Plan
The following high-level plan was developed in consultation withNYSeducators and educational leaders, and meets the expectations in theNYSNext Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards.
Though keyboarding instruction is explicitly outlined in theNYSELA Standards,NYSEDrecommends districts ensure that keyboarding skills are practiced and reinforced in all instructional areas, as appropriate, as part of regular instruction. In addition, keyboarding is one component of technology literacy, and keyboarding instruction should not replace current instruction in the appropriate use of technology (cyber safety, security, and ethics) or the use of digital tools to research, create, communicate, and collaborate.
