Keyboarding for Business

Course Number:

CAS 123

Transcript Title:

Keyboarding for Business

Created:

Aug 04, 2022

Updated:

May 24, 2025

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

20

Lecture / Lab Hours:

40

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

No

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

P/NP

Repeats available for credit:

0

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment may include: Projects with original work, journals, group discussions, open ended assessment, 5-minute timed writings at a speed of 45 wpm with no more than 5 errors ("C" level), composition of timed documents, integrated projects

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques in accordance with ergonomic standards to develop speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

• Keyboarding Posture and Hand Positioning

  • Proper sitting posture and body alignment
  • Correct finger placement on home row keys
  • Maintaining a relaxed yet controlled typing motion
• Ergonomic Best Practices
  • Adjusting chair, desk, and monitor for comfort and efficiency
  • Avoiding strain and repetitive stress injuries
  • Implementing proper wrist and hand positioning
• Touch Typing Techniques
  • Keeping eyes on the screen or source material instead of the keyboard
  • Using all fingers efficiently for smooth keystrokes
  • Eliminating unnecessary hand movement for faster typing
• Building Speed and Accuracy
  • Developing muscle memory through repetitive practice
  • Utilizing typing drills and structured exercises
  • Implementing accuracy-first strategies before increasing speed
• Overcoming Common Typing Challenges
  • Reducing reliance on the backspace key
  • Avoiding looking at the keyboard while typing
  • Correcting common mistyped words and letter combinations

Outcome #2: Key by touch alphabetic, numeric, and auxiliary keys at industry-appropriate speed and accuracy levels.

• Touch Typing Mastery

  • Reinforcing proper finger placement on home row keys
  • Eliminating reliance on looking at the keyboard
  • Practicing smooth and consistent keystrokes
• Alphabetic and Numeric Keying
  • Building proficiency with alphabetic keying sequences
  • Developing speed and accuracy in numeric entry (top row numbers)
  • Strengthening familiarity with common key patterns
• Using Auxiliary Keys
  • Mastering punctuation and symbol keys (e.g., comma, period, shift, caps lock)
  • Efficient use of function keys, tab, enter, backspace, and delete
  • Understanding the role of modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt)
• Speed and Accuracy Development
  • Practicing structured drills to increase words per minute (WPM)
  • Implementing accuracy-focused exercises before increasing speed
  • Using timed tests and typing benchmarks for tracking progress
• Common Error Correction Strategies
  • Reducing mistyped words through muscle memory training
  • Minimizing overuse of backspace to improve fluidity
  • Identifying and correcting frequent typing errors
• Industry Standards and Performance Expectations
  • Understanding workplace typing speed and accuracy requirements
  • Setting personal improvement goals based on industry benchmarks
  • Using typing assessment tools to evaluate skill progression

Outcome #3: Produce professional business documents following industry standards for accuracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and layout.

• Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation Accuracy

  • Identifying and correcting common spelling and grammar mistakes
  • Proper use of punctuation in business communication
  • Utilizing spell check and grammar tools effectively
• Formatting for Clarity and Professionalism
  • Applying appropriate fonts, spacing, and alignment
  • Using headings, bullet points, and numbering for organization
  • Incorporating business-standard margins and line spacing
• Editing and Proofreading Techniques
  • Reviewing documents for clarity and conciseness
  • Checking for consistency in style and tone
  • Employing proofreading strategies to ensure error-free work
• Industry-Specific Document Standards
  • Understanding formatting expectations in various industries
  • Applying company branding and templates where applicable
  • Adhering to workplace-specific documentation guidelines
• Finalizing and Distributing Business Documents
  • Preparing documents for printing and digital sharing
  • Converting files into appropriate formats (PDF, Word, etc.)
  • Ensuring documents are error-free before submission or publication

Outcome #4: Demonstrate 10-Key number entry skills by touch, achieving a minimum of 8000 KPH with 98% accuracy in alignment with industry expectations.

• Introduction to 10-Key Keypad

  • Understanding the layout and function of the 10-Key pad
  • Proper hand positioning and finger placement for efficiency
  • Developing muscle memory for touch-based entry
• Speed and Accuracy Development
  • Practicing structured drills to increase KPH (Keystrokes Per Hour)
  • Implementing accuracy-focused exercises before increasing speed
  • Using industry-standard assessments to track progress
• Efficient Number Entry Techniques
  • Entering long numeric sequences quickly and accurately
  • >Using the tab and enter keys for data entry workflows
  • Minimizing reliance on backspace to maintain efficiency
• Common Errors and Error Reduction Strategies
  • Identifying frequent mistakes and improving error correction speed
  • Reinforcing consistency through repetitive numeric drills
  • Employing self-checking techniques to enhance accuracy
• Meeting Industry Standards
  • Understanding 10-Key speed and accuracy benchmarks for employment
  • Completing timed tests to simulate real-world job scenarios
  • Setting personal goals for continued skill improvement

Outcome #5: Apply critical thinking to evaluate and improve keyboarding and 10-Key performance, including self-assessment and adaptation to workplace requirements

• Self-Assessment of Skills
  • Conducting timed assessments for speed and accuracy
  • Analyzing personal strengths and areas for improvement
  • Setting measurable goals for performance enhancement
• Error Identification and Correction
  • Recognizing common typing and 10-Key errors
  • Implementing strategies to reduce errors and increase efficiency
  • Utilizing software tools to track progress and pinpoint weaknesses
• Adapting to Workplace Requirements
  • Understanding industry expectations for typing and 10-Key proficiency
  • Adjusting techniques to meet specific job demands
  • Applying ergonomic best practices to maintain long-term efficiency
• Problem-Solving for Continuous Improvement
  • Identifying factors that impact performance (fatigue, posture, distractions)
  • Modifying practice routines to address challenges
  • Seeking feedback and incorporating constructive criticism
• Developing a Personalized Improvement Plan
  • Setting realistic benchmarks for speed and accuracy growth
  • Tracking progress through regular practice and testing
  • Utilizing online resources and software for continued skill development

Suggested Texts and Materials

• Ten Key Mastery, Ellsworth Publishing

• Keyboard Mastery, Ellsworth Publishing

Department Notes

Recommended – key 40 wpm by touch (5' minute timing/5 errors or less) or instructor's permission. Instructors will do timed assessments first week of class to help with placement.

Speed Improvement Scale

5’ Timing Scale

WPM	Percentage/Grade
52 or above	100
53	97
52	95
51	87
49	85
48	82
47	78
46	75
45	72 – C level-passing
44	68
43	65
42	65
41	62
40	60
39	50