Computer-generated lessons that match each individual's skill and progress

Ainsworth was the first to create and use adaptive programming techniques for teaching typing. The original Typing Tutor, developed by Ainsworth and sold through both Microsoft and IBM, was the first instance where interval timing was used to measure and record response times for each key. This technique allows programs to adjust lessons to reflect what a person has learned. This allows typing software to teach more efficiently than a typing book.

This basic principle has been expanded considerably in developing the technology behind the current Ainsworth Keyboard Trainer and the Ainsworth Keypad Trainer software. These programs automatically create the ideal learning situation over an extremely wide range of situations. Students with special needs are accommodated easily, with lessons they perceive as ideally paced. Similarly, seniors with a touch of arthritis have no difficulty learning keyboarding at a rate that is comfortable for them. Just as importantly, a person with above average dexterity will learn the keyboard quickly, instead of being bored with repetitions that are totally unnecessary.

Typing to write

Our latest developments allow our software to create computer-generated typing lessons specifically designed to teach writing and composition skills. This is a very different goal than teaching the copy typing skills commonly used in secretarial typing courses and in the many software programs based on them.

This focus on writing instead of just copying at the keyboard begins with the first typing lesson and continues through our products. We also include word wrap and backspace correction as central ingredients in learning to use computer keyboards effectively.

Three learning levels

We have identified three separate stages in the learning process. We measure dexterity at each level and proceed appropriately for each specific individual. It is essential that the correct finger is being used for typing each new key, and it is also essential that the software advance to a more challenging level as soon as this proficiency is reached and verified.

- Correct fingering as the new key is introduced
- Proficiency with the base key set ( a s d f j k l e i )
- Mastery with all keys learned so far in the lessons

Typing by touch

Pictures of hands and keys are commonly used to teach the correct fingering. We avoid this for two reasons.

First, finger pictures are not necessary with our software because the program itself is aware of the hand position at all times and will offer correction if required. Our exclusive Hands-ON! technology accomplishes this automatically. With the hands in the right place, simply copying the computer-generated exercises will insure progress through the three levels as fast as possible.

Second, and more importantly, it is a drastic mistake to teach typing by looking at pictures of hands and keys. This visual technique does not prepare a person for writing. When composing with any email program or word processor it is important to be able to visualize the ideas being expressed, and not be interrupted by pictures of fingers, hands, and keys. These residual images from picture-based instruction continue to make writing difficult, not easier, for many people. When touch typing is learned without forced visualizations, a person is automatically trained to think and compose on-screen with ease.