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Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored
keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian Basic School

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IN
TECHNOLOGY
Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners
Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian Basic
School
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Samuel Asare1, Caroline Owusu-Mintah2, AsaahYeboah Esther3
2
Mintah,1,3Mathematics/ICT Department, St. Monica‟s College of Education, Mampong-Ashanti,Ghana
ABSTRACT:The study came about as a result of poor
performance showed by students of Kyiremfaso Anglican
primary School, a sub-burb of the Mampong-Ashanti
Municipality in Ghana. The aim of the study was to improve
the keyboarding skills of students in basic schools. The study
was conducted at Kyiremfaso Anglican primary School from
the month of January, 2019 to April, 2020 The design used
for the research was the action research design. Twenty (20)
students in basic four (4) class were used for the study. The
data was collected during the pre- intervention stage. Tables
were used to analyze the data collected. The result of the
study showed that students’ keyboarding skills may be
improved by the use of colored keyboard and giving students
enough time during practice sessions. The research was
concluded with recommendations to Ghana Education
Service to make available various types of keyboards that can
be used to teach and improve the keyboarding skill of
learners in the basic schools in Ghana.
CHAPTER ONE
Background to the Study
ICT stands for “information and communication
technologies”. ICT refers to technologies that provide access
to information through telecommunications; it is similar to
information technology (IT), but focuses primarily on
communication technologies. This includes the internet,
wireless networks, cell phones and other communication
mediums. ICT is an umbrella terms that includes all
technologies for the communications of information. It
encompasses; any medium to record information and also
technology for broadcasting information. In recent years,
several studies and reports have highlighted the opportunities
and potential benefits of information and communication
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Volume-13,Issue-5(May-20)
ISSN (O) :- 2349-3585
technologies (ICT) for improving the quality of education.
ICT is viewed as a “major tool for building knowledge
societies”(UNESCO 2003,1) and particularly as a mechanism
at the school education level that could provide a way to
rethink and redesign the educational system and process, thus
leading to quality education for all. A computer is a machine
that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or
logical operations automatically via computer programming.
Modern computers have the ability to follow generalized set of
operations called programs. These programs enable computers
to perform an extremely a wide range of tasks. The computer
keyboard is a device common in everyday use of computers. It
is widely used for simple activities like launching applications
or programs, and for complex activities like graphic designing
and programming. It is seen to be the most widely used device
of the computer system. Consequently for one to be very good
in using the computer he/she has to learn and practice in other
to improve upon his/her keyboarding skills. Students vary in
their learning capacity and learning style, some are more
greatly than others so as to be classified as developmentally
disabled or learning disabled. Due to learning problems,
differences in learning style and capacity, computer skills
(keyboarding skills) may not be learned by mere observation
or discovery but rather through practical sessions. Specifically
are carefully designed instructions, hands-on opportunities and
direct instructions by a teacher or an instructor are the best
ways to teach children about computers. Once these skills are
learned, they can provide a tremendous ability confidently
access the computer as a mind tool for future learning. The
invention of the modern computer Keyboard began with the
invention of the typewriter. Christopher Latham Sholes
patented the typewriter that we commonly use today in 1868.
A few key technological developments created the transition
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
of the typewriter into the computer Keyboard. The key board
is the most common and very popular device which helps to
input data to the computer. Though the layout is like that of a
traditional typewriter, it has additional keys provided for
performing additional functions.The Keyboard is known to be
the main input device used by most computers. The keyboard
allows for user input into the computer. Much like many
typewriters, the keyboard has all the letters of the alphabets
from A to Z, numbers from 0 - 9 and other additional special
operational keys. Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or
101/102 keys but now keyboards with 104 or 108 keys are
also available for windows and internet.The keyboard in its
normal usage is for typing text and numbers into a word
processor, text editor or other programs. In a modern
computer, the interpretation of key presses is generally left to
the software. This means the keys on the keyboard perform
different functions in relation to the software in use.A
computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from
every other and reports all key presses to the controlling
software. Keyboards are also used for computer gaming, either
with regular keyboards or by using keyboards with special
gaming features, which can expedite frequently used
keystroke combinations. A keyboard is also used to give
commands to the operating system of a computer, such as
Windows' Alt-Tab combination, which switches between
running applications. The colored keyboard helps learners to
practice and learned keyboarding skills easily and faster.
Statement of the Problem
Notwithstanding the fact that some students are very good in
using the keyboard, it was noted during practice sessions that
most of the learners in primary four (4) of Kyiremfaso
Anglican primary school could not use the keyboard in
performing tasks such copying a text, selecting text items,
spacing words in a sentence etc. Most students also find it
difficult to locate the individual keys on the Keyboard or
touch type; most of them do not know the functions of the
special keys like the Ctrl key, Alt key, the Shift key, the Esc
key, the Tab key etc. Since many modern day Operating
systems and Applications Software require Graphical User
Interface (GUI) to run applications and execute commands, it
346
is important that students become familiar with the keyboard
therefore there is the need for the primary four (4) learners
whom most are first time computer users to be skillful and
proficient in using the computer keyboard.
Purpose of the Study
The rational as to why keyboarding skills should be taught is
simple. Our society has become one that is geared towards
technology. More than fifty-five percent of the workforces
today use a computer in their daily job (United States
Department of Labour, 2003). Students of today therefore
need to know how to use the keyboard properly and
effectively if they are to be successful in the field of
Information Communication Technology (ICT). Therefore the
purpose of this study is to improve the keyboarding skills of
primary four learners of Kyiremfaso Anglican primary school
so that they will be able to use the computer effectively
especially in word processing and other applications that make
use of the Graphic User Interface (GUI). Insufficient time
allotted for practical session and demonstration coupled with
inadequate facilities (computers and its accessories) in the
school is highly affecting the student‟s keyboarding skills.
To achieve the general purpose of this research work, the
following specific objectives will be considered.
1. To use colored keyboard to improve learners keyboarding
skills.
2. To guide learners to make use of the various keys on the
keyboard
3. To help learners to identify the keys on the keyboard
4. To help learners to improve their self-esteem and self-
efficacy
Research Questions
1. How will a colored keyboard improve learners keyboarding
skills?
2. How will a colored keyboard guide learners to make use of
the various keys on the keyboard?
3. How will a colored keyboard help learners to identify the
keys on the keyboard?
4. How will a colored keyboard help to improve learner‟s self-
esteem and self-efficacy?
Significance of the Study
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
This study will be beneficial to the Ghana Education Service,
it will offer suggestions as to what to include in the ICT
syllabus regarding keyboarding and also the number of
periods to be allotted for such lessons. It will also benefit ICT
teachers. It will help them appreciate and value the need to
give student enough time for practical sessions and
demonstration. Again, the research findings will help to
improve learners keyboarding skills. This is because learners
will have the opportunity to practice with the colored
keyboard. Finally, the research finding will help in further
research,
Delimitations of the Study
The study was not concerned with the keyboarding skills of
students in other schools. The study was carried for primary
four (4) learners of Kyiremfaso Anglican primary School.
Some learners from the lower primary though may have
interacted with the computer in one way or the other but
previous lessons showed that most students lacked
keyboarding skills.
Limitations of the Study
In every organized activity and study, there are said to be
some setbacks and militating factors that will mar the progress
of one‟s effort, so are the problems of this work. The under
listed are some of the problems that confronted the researcher
in undertaking the research. The researcher would have
wished to review more literature as far as the topic is concern
but the problem of getting access to materials was enormous.
This made the researcher to make use of the few books that
were at his disposal. Also, due to the co-curricular activities
on the school‟s calendar and other pronounced holidays, the
execution of the project work was delayed. Some of these
activities include games, match pass, educational talks and
head count on the part of the teachers. This limited the
accessibility of the pupils for smooth data collection process.
Finally, truancy on the part of some pupils was another
problem. This problem comes about as a result some pupils
having to fend for themselves especially the male students.
This made them to absent themselves from school which in
the long run affected the researcher in executing the
intervention.
347
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
If students are to excel and do extremely well in the field of
ICT, they need to know how to use the keyboard properly and
effectively. Therefore the purpose of this study is to improve
the keyboarding skills of basic four (4) learners of Kyiremfaso
Anglican primary school so that they will be able to use the
computer especially in word processing and other software
which make use of the GUI. This chapter is centered on the
review of what other researchers have said about the problems
being studied. It reviews the theories and concepts on which
the study is based.
Keyboarding
Keyboarding is the penmanship of the computer age (Johnson,
Nelson & Townsend 2002). As a fundamental skill into this
society, keyboarding provides our connections with the rest of
the world through electronic communication. Students who
become efficient keyboarders “compose better, are prouder of
their work, produce documents with a neater appearance, and
have better motivation” (Nieman, 1996). Technology has
become active part of our children‟s lives even at very young
age. The national association for the education of young
children (NAEYC) supports children as young as 3 years old
using developmentally-appropriate computer software
(NAEYC, 1998). However when children begin confronting
the keyboard without guidance at this formative time in their
lives, they tends to develop their own methods for pressing the
keys which often develops into “bad habits” that hinder later
typing skills. It is critical therefore to introduce students to
efficient keyboarding strategies as soon as it is
developmentally-advisable to limit the number of behaviors
that needs to be unlearned to develop effective and efficient
key boarders. In keyboarding, two of the outcomes to be
considered are intellectual skill, which includes rules,
procedures and concepts and motor skills. Intellectual skills
can be acquired quickly but motor skills develop gradually
with deliberate and consistent practice (Ericsson,
Krampe&Tesch-Romer 1993). Most researches regarding
keyboarding of students occur when computers began to flow
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
into classrooms during the eighties. Computers were
envisioned during the eighties as an efficient way for students
to drill and practice. While little thought was given to
unexpected outcomes of computers in the classrooms, a debate
was developed regarding children using computers and
keyboards. This discussion ranged from the traditional
approach in which students were expected to know how to
type before they could use the computer. According to
Olinzock (1998), keyboarding is a complex skill made up of
finely discriminated movement pattern that depend upon
interrelated sensory, perceptual, mental and motor input and
output which must occur close together in time in other
maximize the full capabilities and features that computers
provide, students and employees must be able to input data
using the computer keyboard (Anderson-Yates & Baker 1996;
Eric 312 444).
Keyboarding Skills
Keyboard is the most common text-based input devise.
Computer keyboards are similar to electronic typewriter
keyboards with additional keys. A keyboard generally has
more than 100 keys. Each key on a keyboard corresponds to a
single symbol. Some symbols require pressing and holding
several keys simultaneously or in sequence. It allows entering
alphabets, digits and symbols into the computer. Simultaneous
key press can produce actions or perform computer
commands. The touch method of typewriting is a method of
typing without using the sense of sight to find the keys. There
is no need to search the keys while typing and one has to move
only the finger which is needed to strike a key. A touch typist
knows the location of keys on the keyboard through muscle
memory. Touch typing typically involves placing the eight
fingers in a horizontal along the middle of the keyboard (the
home row). Touch typing can be done with two hands or by
using a single hand also. A touch typist starts by placing
his/her fingers on the “start position” in the middle row and
know which finger to move and how much to move it for
reaching any required key. It is important to learn placing
fingers on the start position blindly as the hands frequently
raised from the key board to operate the line feed lever (in the
past) or (more recently) the computer mouse. Typing speed
348
generally improves with practice. The typing speed can be
increased gradually and speed of 60 words per minute or
higher can be achieved. The rate of speed varies between
individuals, many websites and software products (Example
Rapid Typing Tutor) are available to learn touch typing and
many of these are free and are customized to learn typing
efficiently and effectively.
Teaching Keyboarding at the basic Level
Educators generally agree that students have developed the
proper level of dexterity and eye-hand coordination for
efficient keyboarding by third or fourth grade .their hands
have grown to fit the standard-sized keyboard and their
attention span has develop enough to last the length of a
typical keyboarding lesson which is 20 to 40 minutes (Russel,
1994; Boyce & Whiteman, 1987; Mclean, 1994). At this level
student writing requirement have also develop enough to have
a need for efficient written communication. This does not
mean that keyboarding should be ignored at the earlier grade.
Developing keyboard familiarity at earlier ages facilitates later
success in computer as soon as students begin using computer
for more than simple responses, then familiarity with the
keyboard and keyboarding techniques will enable younger
learners to interact faster and lessen the probability of
developing bad keyboarding habits. Bartholome and Long
(1986) described how they were able to successfully introduce
first and second grade to keyboarding through half hour
instructions three(3) days a week. At the end of the semester,
the students were able to type 15 to 30 words per minute.
How to teach Keyboarding
Having identify what needs to be taught and by whom, we
must next consider how this curriculum should be brought to
student. This consideration includes a variety of areas
including sequence of introduction, motivation, practice and
application.
Benefits of Increased Keyboard Proficiency
 Keyboard proficiency will assist learners in improving
their language arts (Cooper 1983; Wetzel, 1985; Wood
&Freeeman, 1932; Ericsson 1960).
 Improvement in quality of writing (Owsten&Wideman,
1997; Bangert-Drowns, 1993; Godberg, Russel& Cook
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
2003).
 Greater enthusiasm about using the computer for writing
(Wetzel, 1985; Texas guidelines, 1987)
 Improvement in spelling (Hoot, 1986)
 improvement in reading comprehension
(Hoot,1986;Wronkovich, 1998)
How Keyboarding Skills Would Improve Learners Self-
Esteem and Self-Efficient
Research indicates that use of educational technology can
enhance the acquisition of skills and knowledge for students
when the computer is used to deliver well designed
instructions (Kozma, 1994). A key aspect of technology is
found in the acquired skill of effective keyboarding.
Researches‟ have found that children with keyboarding skills;
are proud of their work, are better motivated and have
improved language art skills (Warner, Belymes, & McCrary,
1992). Keyboarding provides an alternative to students who
have poor fine-motor skills and exhibit poor or eligible
handwriting. Students with a sense of pride in their work
demonstrate a strong self-efficacy which could have influence
on their motivation to learn (Bandura, 1993). Self-efficacy is
more concern with what one can do with learned skills not the
skills themselves (Bandura, 1986). Most students with and
without disabilities value the goal of greater control as well as
participation in their school or and enhanced social inclusion.
Technology is an important support in achieving these goals
(Wehmeyer, Tasse, Davies & Stock, 2012) Primary learners
are at the very beginning of their formal education process and
should be provided opportunities and training that encourages
high self-efficacy beliefs (Arslan, 2012). (Bandura, 1997)
determined that self-efficacy beliefs are formed in
harmonywith the information children obtained from
performance accomplishment, social persuation, psychological
states and vicarious experiences. Accordingly, Arslan (2012)
argue that students with week self-efficacy are less willing to
learn, cannot concentrate on their instructional tasks and do
not want to either confront difficulties. One cannot expect a
person with intellectual disability to raise their level of self-
efficacy if they are in social structure that assumes that they
are incapable of self-evaluation (Bandura, 1993). Proper
349
training on future employment skills such as keyboarding
could be critical to a person with intellectual disabilities
developing a high level of self-efficacy.A strong sense of
efficacy in one skill area may transfer to a similar skill as
evidence that success can breed success (Bandura, 1997).
Students‟ performance improves as positive efficacy beliefs
influence basic cognitive skills such as memory and attention
skills crucial to effective keyboarding. Pride in ones work
promotes self-esteem (Watkms, 2005). Global self-esteem is
defined as the extent to which the person feels positive about
self (Gergen, 1971). Keyboarding programs that allow
children to work at their level but to their greatest potential
and provides posture feedback, both visually and from the
teacher facilitates a student‟s self-esteem (Cosden, Brown and
Elliot, 2002)
Benefits Derived From Identifying Keys on the Keyboard
It is safe to assume that many of the people looking for help
on the sites like this are two fingers or hunt and peck typist
while many people exist perfectly well their way, touch typing
offers avenues that cannot be attained by hunt and peck
typing. Below are some of the many benefit of touch typing.
Advantages of Touch Typing Skills
 Speed: this is going to be the first and most obvious
benefit of learning to touch types. A touch typist can
easily reach typing speed above 75-80 words per minutes
while a hunt and peck typist would be hard to press to
reach 30 words per minute. This also increased by the fact
that an accomplished touch typist does not have to look at
the keyboard. It is difficult to type something while
reading it if you have to look down at the keyboard every
other stroke to find next key.
 Accuracy: One of the most important things to learn no
matter how hard you type is to type accurately. No one is
going to be able to ride to your rescue if your typing skills
are so atrocious that no one can understand what you are
saying.
 Time: if you increase your typing speed from say 30
words per minute to 60, you have effectively halved the
time it would take you to do the same amount of work.
An average two finger typist typing at for example of 15
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
words per minute will type 250 words section in about 17
minutes. A touch typist on the other hand typing at an
average 60 words per minute can type the same section in
around 4 minutes.
 Fatigue: typing is both mentally and physically
exhausting to do for long periods of time. Learning to
touch type properly reduces both mental and physical
fatigue. Mentally it keeps you from having to focus on
two things at a time. All you have to worry about is your
output, not finding the individual keys. Physically it keeps
you from constantly having to bend your head over the
keyboard to find your next couple of strokes
 Health: overall, touch typing is better for your health.
You are not hunched over looking at the keys and using
all of your fingers actually reduces the risk of repetitive
stress injury (RSI). Many people who work on keyboards
or with computers all day are at risk for these repetitive
stress injuries.
 Job prospects: typing is not an optional skill anymore.
Many employers require computer skills and certain
typing speed to even be considered for some position.
Needless to say, they aren‟t looking for 20-30 word per
minute hunt and peck typist. Learning to touch type and
to do so accurately can be one of the most invaluable
skills of your career.
 Focus: when you are typing with two fingers, your focus
is on the keyboard and the work you are doing on the
computer. Learning to touch type allows you to focus on
one thing instead of two. This tends to increase
productivity and make it easier to pay attention to the
details of your project rather than having to focus on the
keys.
 Editing: if you spend your time staring at your keyboard,
you are not going to notice spelling or grammar mistakes
until well after you made them. Touch typing give you the
option of editing as you go. You will be able to see errors
as they appear and backspace to fix them. This is also
good for grammar mistakes and what you have in your
head may not sound as on the paper. Touch typing May
seems like it‟s not worth the timing especially if you are
350
already confident in your hunt and peck skills. It is
however, one of the most valuable skills you can learn. It
may take a little more time than you would like ,
especially if you have a life time of bad habits to relearn
but in the end, a small investment of time will pay off in
more ways can you can imagine. This is just a basic list of
the benefit of touch typing.
Summary
Keys on the Computer keyboard and their functions
 Alt Key: A computer key that you press together with
another key so that the other key does something different
from what it usually does.
 Arrow Key: One of four (4) computer keys marked with
an up, down, or right arrow used for moving the cursor.
 Backspace: the key that you press on a keyboard to move
one space backwards in a document.
 Caps Lock: a key on a computer keyboard that makes all
the keys produce capital letters. This is also a toggle key.
Pressing the Caps lock key will set a keyboard mode in
which typed letters are capitalized by default and in lower
case when the shift key is pressed the keyboard remains in
this mode until Caps lock is pressed again.
 Character set: a complete set of letters, numbers, or
symbols that can be used by a computer.
 Command key: on some computers a key that you press
together with another key to make the computer do a
particular thing.
 Control key: a key on a computer keyboard that is used
in combination with other keys for doing particular
operations. This key is usually marked „Ctrl‟. The results
of keeping the control key pressed don while pressing
another character, is a control key combination, which can
have different meanings depending on which program is
running. For example, holding down control and pressing
U urns on the underline in some word processors.
 Delete Key: a computer key that removes characters. This
key is sometimes referred to as „del‟. During normal text
editing, discard the character at cursor position, moving
all following characters one position “back” towards the
freed place.
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
 Enter key: a key that moves the cursor or the insertion
point to the beginning of the next line, or returns control
to whatever program is currently running. After a
program request information from you (by displaying a
prompt) it will usually not respond to input until you have
pressed the Enter or Return key. This allows you to
correct typing mistake or to reconsider your entry before
it is too late. In many applications pressing the Enter key
moves the cursor to the next field.
 Tab Key: A key on computer keyboards that inserts a tab
character or moves the insertion point to the next tap stop.
Some applications respond to the tab by inserting spaces
up to the next tab stop. This is often called a soft tab,
whereas a real tab character is called a hard tab.
Spreadsheet and database management applications
usually respond to the Tap key by moving the cursor to
the next field or cell. In dialog boxes and menus, pressing
the tap key highlights next button or option.
 Esc Key: Q key on computer keyboards, usually labeled
Esc. Pressing the Escape key usually cancels or aborts the
current operation.
 Shift key: The shift key is a modifier key on a keyboard,
used to type capital letters and other alternate “upper”
characters. There are typically two shift keys, on the left
and right sides of the row below the home row. On an
English keyboard, characters that typically require the use
of the shift key include the parentheses, the question
mark, the exclamation point, and the colon.
 Scroll Lock Key: The behavior of this toggle key
depends on the particular software in use. The scroll lock
key is intended to temporarily stop the scrolling of text or
the operation of a programme. There are not many
software programs today that take or have a use for this
key. Microsoft excel is a good example of a software
program that uses this key. If scroll lock is enabled on the
keyboard when you press any of the arrow keys such as
the down or up arrow keys the screen will move, however
the selected cell will not move. However if the scroll lock
is not enabled you will be able to navigate through each
of the cells using the arrow keys.
351
 Num Lock Key: A key that switches the numeric keypad
from numeric mode to cursor control mode, and vice
versa. In numeric mode, the keys represent numbers even
when they are combined with the shift key, function key,
or control key. Otherwise these combinations may have
different meanings. The num lock key is a toggle key,
meaning that it changes the current mode. If the numeric
keypad is already locked in numeric mode, pressing the
num lock key releases it.
 Insert key: A key on computer keyboard that turns insert
mode on and off. The insert key does not work for all
programs, but most word processors and text editors
support it. It is primarily used to switch between the two
text-entering modes on a personal computer or word
processor. The first is over type mode, in which the
cursor, when typing, overwrites any text that is present on
and after its current location. The other is insert mode,
where the cursor inserts a character at its current position,
forcing all characters past it one position further.
 PrtScrKey:( pronounced PRINT screen.) A keyboard
key (on most standard keyboards) that, when pressed,
sends the information displayed on- screen to the printer
or to the clipboard. The image then can be printed or
pasted from the clipboard into a graphics program for
manipulation and printing later.
Finger Placement for Typing
If you are considering learning how to touch-type, then you
are probably aware there is a certain finger position in which
to rest your fingers so they can reach all of the keys on the
keyboard. But becoming a pro at typing requires more than
just knowing which finger sits on which key. First you will
need to learn how to reach the keys with the correct fingers
and then you will have to practice, practice and practice some
more. Typing quickly and accurately with correct finger
placement involves building up some muscle memory in your
hands, so they feel comfortable reaching for keys in sequence
and the movements become automatic. There are courses
designed specifically to teach you typing. They show you
where to position your hands on the keyboard and walk you
through the right keys to hit with each finger. Some programs
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
such as Touch-type Read and Spell use a multi-sensory
technique to reinforce what you learn. To help you practice
each key, the corresponding letter appears on the screen and is
read out loud. This strengthens memory, along with repetition
and dedication exercises, and gives you plenty of opportunities
to practice new materials. The good thing is when you learn
touch-typing you open up new career opportunities and can
even improve your academic performance. Students who learn
to type the TTRS way typically improve their reading and
spelling skills as well. Typing can be a great boost for children
with self-esteem issues and specific learning difficulties. It has
also been successfully used to assist individuals with dyslexia,
dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorder and visual impairments in
reaching their full potential when it comes to developing
strong literacy skills. The position of the hands is much the
same as it was when the method was developed back in the
1880s for use with a typewriter. In fact, the modern day
keyboard layout, commonly known as QWERTY, hasn‟t
changed over the years. Perhaps the most relevant difference
for typists was the addition of the delete key with the advent
of the computer! At rest, the fingers sit on the home row keys.
If you are not sure which ones these are, look two lines up
from the spacebar on your keyboard and you will see them
starting with ASDF on the left. The fingers of each hand
should sit on four keys each. The left hand pinky finger starts
things off on the ”A” key, the ring finger sits on the middle
finger takes the “S” key, the middle finger takes the “D” and
the index the “F” . Thumbs don‟t have a row and typically
hover over the spacebar which can be hit with either hand,
depending on the typist‟s preference. When it comes to the
right hand, the index starts off on the “J” key and the fingers
fall in line across the “K”, “L” and “;” to complete the row.
This is how you position your fingers when you are ready to
begin. Keyboard makers have made it easy for you to get here
by placing a slightly raised line on the ‟‟F‟‟ and ‟‟J” keys. This
ensures your index fingers can guide the rest of your hands
back to the home row at each pause in typing without looking.
The rest of the keyboard has been divided up so each finger is
responsible for a certain group of keys (the letters in its
vicinity. every finger is used to reach the keys diagonally
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above and below it. For example, the middle finger of the right
hand sits on “K” when at rest but reaches up for “I” and down
for “,”. The ring finger of the left hand sits on “S” but moves
up for “W” and down for the “Z” key. However, the fingers on
the ends of rows have slightly more work to do as they also
involved in functions other than letter choice, such as
indenting, moving to a paragraph and capitalizing. Each in dex
or pointer finger is responsible for two rows of keys. The right
hand pointer takes the “U” and “M” column, as well as the
“Y”, “H” and “N” keys. The left hand index finger is at rest on
“N” keys. The left hand fingers at rest on “F” and moves up
for “R” down for “V” and over for “T”, “G” AND “B”. The
reaching can involve here can feel quite awkward in the
beginning and you will likely need plenty of practice typing
these letters before you master them. Your little fingers will
also have to do some stretching as they are required for
everything on the ends that isn‟t covered by another finger.
Typing tips
1. Position your hands. When you position your fingers on
the keyboard, it can help to curve them slightly and place your
hands down lightly, so they are ready to move. It may feel
awkward initially but will become more comfortable the more
you practice.
2. Don’t look down. Try imagining the keyboard and then
feeling your way through it. Whatever you do, it‟s best not to
look down, even if you are completely unsure of the key you
are about to type. TOP TIP when you struggle to learn the
position of a particular key, places some blue tack on it to
make the surface more recognizable by your fingertips. Next,
do some typing drills of words that force you to use that key.
3. Position your wrists. Don‟t let your wrists droop. Your
hands will get tired more quickly and you may be setting
yourself up for wrists problems in future years. A rolled tea
towel placed along the front of the keyboard, or wrists guard
can help. For the correct wrist position, imagine yourself
playing the piano.
4. Use all of your senses. Listen out for the rhythm of your
typing and keep your eyes on the screen ahead. If you are
using an online typing course, make sure it is one where the
letters and words you are practicing are read out loud as you
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
type them. Let your sense of touch do the work.
5. Learn keyboard shortcuts. Certain keyboard shortcuts can
be advantageous to learn once you have mastered the basics of
typing text. You may need to use your thumps to reach the
Ctrl or Apple Command buttons that shortcuts require.
6. Maintain good posture. Keep your back straight, knees
bent and arms extended. Be careful not to place too much
weight on your wrists as this can lead to typing injuries such
as carpal tunnel syndrome, as mentioned previously.
7. Check your keyboard. If you are really struggling, it may
be that the keyboard you are using doesn‟t fit your hands.
Some adults with large hands may the hit more than one key at
once, while children with smaller hands tend to struggle more
reaching for keys. It can also be the keys are overly sensitive
and register from a light touch. On the other hand you may
need to pound them on an older keyboard. Keep in mind there
are plenty options out there so you can always find one that
will be more comfortable and make typing easier.
8. Start typing lessons early. Children are generally thought
to be ready for typing lessons at the age of 6-7, when their
hands are big enough for the keyboard. Teaching typing to
children at this age coincides with reading, writing and
spelling lessons at school and gives them a boost across the
board when it comes to literacy skills.
9. Ask for help. If you struggle with fine motor skills, such as
is the case for both young children and stroke survivors who
are learning typing, it‟s important to have someone work
through an online typing course with you. When you can‟t
find a particular key, ask your assistant to gently stroke the
correct finger to enhance the sensory input for that
combination. It will make it easier for you to find the right
position next time.
Correct sitting posture and set up for computer use
A. Eyes should be slightly above the top of the screen and not
less than 50cm from the screen.
B. Sit upright and close to the desk.
C.Forearms should be approximately horizontal and supported
by the desk. A space in front of the keyboard to allow hands
and wrists to rest when not typing.
D. Keep wrists straight when keying.
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E. Position a mouse within easy reach so it can be used with a
straight wrist.
F. Legs should have rooms to move under the desk.
G. Choosing a chair with round edge or curved cushion seat
can avoid excess pressure from the edge of seat on the backs
of legs and knees. A footrest may be helpful.
Correct sitting posture and set up for computer use
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
This chapter talks about the research design, population and
sample selection, research instruments, intervention processes,
monitoring techniques and methods for data collection..
Research Design
The type of research used for this study is action research.
According to Kemmis and McTaggart (1988), action research
is a form of collective-self inquiry undertaking by participants
in social situations in order to improve the rationality and to
justify their own practices as well as their understanding of
these practices and the situation in which these practices are
carried out. Action research aims at solving classroom
problems or local school problems through the application of
scientific method. It is a kind of activity in which the research
works collaboratively with other people to solved perceived
problems. The reason for using this type of research is that this
study is a classroom-based action research and it is aimed at
solving a problem and to improve practice
Population and sample selection
This action research was conducted at Kyiremfaso Anglican
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
primary school located in Mampong municipality in the
Ashanti Region. The population of the school at the time the
study was been conducted was 216 comprising of 101 girls
and 115 boys. Enrolment in Kyiremfaso Anglican Primary
school are as follows
The population of the study was primary four (4) and for the
purpose of the study twenty (20) students were chosen. Out of
the twenty students, eleven (11) are boys and the remaining
nine (9) students are girls which is fifty five (55) percent and
forty five (45) percent respectively. The students were selected
using the Simple Random sampling technique. This technique
ensured that every member in the population had equal chance
of being selected for the study. The 20 student selected is a
true representation of the entire primary four (4) class.
Research instruments
Two major research instruments were used in gathering the
needed data for this research. These are: Test and Observation.
Test
A test is a formal systematic, usually paper and pencil
procedure to gather information about student‟s behavior. It is
also said to be an attempt to determine how an individual will
function in a set of actual situation. In short, a test is a device
that makes one demonstrate one‟s level of ability, mastery or
competency in a specific area. It is also used to measure
specific traits or attributes in detail This research instrument
is valid and reliable because it is able to measure one level of
ability, mastery or competency in a specific area. Test is a set
of written or spoken questions used for finding out how much
some one knows about a subject. The instrument was
conducted in two sections, that is, pre-test and post-test. The
pre-test was conducted by the researcher to confirm pupils‟
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difficulty in keyboarding and to identify the causes of the
problem. After completion, the researcher diagnosed those that
were facing peculiar problem with the topic. Due to this, the
researcher was up to her task by adopting an effective
intervention to remedy the problem. Later, post-test was
employed to identify whether there has been an improvement
on their performance.
Observation
The second instrument used was observation. This instrument
was used because it is one of the oldest methods of data
collection. Literally, observation means a method of data
collection that employs vision as its main means of data
collection. In observational studies, the researcher collected
data on the current status of the subjects by watching and
listening to the pupils. For that matter, it took the researcher
two weeks to observe on how pupils asked and responded to
questions in that area of keyboarding. Additionally, the
researcher observed how the pupils reacted and the way the
pupils welcomed the teacher during ICT period when dealing
with the topic. It was then realized that some pupils‟ interest
for the topic was not sustained.Furthermore, the purposes for
selecting this instrument are to provide information when
other methods are not effective. Also, it offers first-hand
information without relying on the report of others. Last but
not least, it employs a less complicated and less time
consuming procedures for data collection.
Intervention Processes
Pre intervention stage
The students were given a passage of five sentences to type
within 20 minutes. Marks were allocated for each correct
typed sentence for which each sentence carry two (2) marks.
“The solar system consists of the sun and the nine planets
which revolve around it. (2 marks)
Mercury is the first planet closer to the sun. (2 marks)
Venus is the second hottest planet after mercury in the solar
system. (2 marks)
Earth is the only planet that has life on it. (2 marks)
Pluto is no more a planet but a dwarf planet.”(2 marks)
At the end of the 20 minutes, it was discovered that out of the
20 students , only 2 students were able to complete typing the
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
whole passage within the 20 minutes and scored 10 out 10.2
students typed 3 sentences scoring 6 marks. 3 students were
able to type 2 sentences scoring 4 marks. The rest of the
students were not able to type even a complete sentence
scoring 0 out of 10.
The researcher observed that most students couldn‟t place
their fingers well on the keyboard keys not to talk of
identifying the keys on it.
Intervention Stage
From the previous lesson, the researcher observed that most
students couldn‟t identify and place their fingers on the
computer keys. It was again observed that some students were
very slow in typing and couldn‟t type properly. The researcher
after observing these shortcomings adopted a strategy to curb
these problems with the use of a colored keyboard to improve
learners keyboarding skills. The learning board is a special
type of colored keyboard that helps with learning keyboarding
and computer skills by maximizing the colour-based
mnemonic system. consonants, vowels, punctuation marks,
numbers and computer function keys each has their own vivid
colour to help understand their different roles in reading and
language. Plus, the layout and key selection are the same as
adult models, which makes it easy for touch-typing. Practice
and success help develop good sentence structure, build
memory skills and gain confidence.
The colored keyboard
Figure 1: the colored keyboard
During the implementation of the intervention, a total of 3
weeks of 9 sessions was used for the keyboarding. Students
were given access to the computer lab for the 4 weeks. Each
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session lasted for one hour every day during school hours.
Week 1: introduction to the keys with the aid of a colored
keyboard
At the first day of the week one, the learners were introduced
to the various keys on the keyboard with the aid of colored
keyboard. The learners were guided to identify the various
keys on the keyboard using the colored keyboard on the
second day, thus all red keys represents numeric keys or
numbers, the green keys represent consonants alphabetic keys
and the vowel alphabetic keys are also colored purple, the blue
keys represents the functional keys and the yellow keys also
represent punctuation marks and operational signs. Learners
were also made to understand that the special purpose keys,
the toggle keys the functional keys and the cursor control keys
are all colored blue. On the last day of the week, the learners
were tested to find out whether they can identify the keys on
the keyboard.
Week 2: proper placement of the hands and fingers on the
keyboard
On the first day of the week 2, the learners were taught the
proper way of placing the hands and fingers on the keyboard.
They were first introduced to the home row keys. The
researcher explained to learners that the home row keys are
the “A S D F” and the “J K L;” on the keyboard. Learners
were taught to place their left hand pinky finger on A, the ring
finger on S, the middle finger on D, the index finger placed on
F and the thump on the SPACE BAR. Also the right hand
pinky finger placed on ;, the ring finger placed on L, the
middle finger placed on K, the index finger placed on J and
thump placed on the SPACE BAR for proper placement pf
the hands and finger.
On the second day, learners were taught the proper placement
of the hand and fingers on the other keys of the colored
keyboard. It was explain that the pinky fingers are used to
press all the keys colored with red on the keyboard and the
ring fingers are used to press the keys colored green. The
middle fingers are used to press the yellow keys and the index
fingers are used to press the blue keys. The thumps are used to
press the bar colored purple. The leaners were asked to
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
practice the exercise on the third day of the week.
Proper placement of the fingers on the colored Keyboard
Figure 2: keyboarding skills
Week 3: how to type numbers using the colored keyboard
During this week the learners were taught how to type
numbers using the colored keyboard. It was explained that the
numbers are found on the numeric keys. Some of the numeric
keys can be found just below the functional keys whiles others
are found on the left end of the keyboard just above the cursor
control keys. The researcher then introduces learners to the
proper placement of the hands and fingers on the numeric
keypads. It was made known to the learners that the left pinky,
ring and middle fingers are used to press the keys 1, 2, 3
respectively while the left index finger is used to press the 4
and 5 keys. Moreover, learners were guided to place their right
pinky, ring and middle fingers on the 0, 9 and 8 keys
respectively. Also the right index finger is used to press the 7
and 6 keys all on the numeric keys on the colored keyboard.
The colored keyboard
Figure 2: the colored keyboard
Post intervention
During the fourth week, the learners were given another
passage to type. The passage was;
“A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, process
the data and give out useful information. (2marks)
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The computer consists of hard ware and software. (2 marks)
Computer hardware refers to the physical component of the
computer system. (2 marks)
Computer software is in two types thus the system software
and the application software. (2 marks)
The keyboard and mouse are examples of input device. (2
marks)”
Learners were tasked to type the passage within 15 minutes
for 10 marks, with 2 marks each for every complete typed
sentence using Microsoft Word 2007 software. At the end of
the 15 minutes, the researcher discovered that 14 students
were able to complete all the five sentences within the
stipulated time. 4 students were able to type 4 sentences
completely and the rest too were able to type only 3 sentences
scoring 6 out of 10. The researcher reflecting on the outcome
saw some improvement in the keyboarding and touch-typing
skills. The researcher took students who couldn‟t type all the 5
sentences completely through and assisted them to complete
the task.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is focused on the presentation of the pre-
intervention results and the post-intervention results.
Pre-intervention results
Research question 1
How will a colored keyboard improve learners keyboarding
skills?
Microsoft Word Test on keyboarding skills prior to the
intervention
The table above shows the students‟ performance in using the
keyboard in Microsoft word application. 2 students
representing 10% were able to able to type five (5) sentences
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
within the 20 minutes, 2 students also representing 10% were
able to type three (3) sentences completely within the 20
minutes given, 3 students were also able to type two (2)
sentences completely within the 20 minutes and 13 students
representing 65% were not able to complete a single sentence
within the allotted time. In all 10% of the students were able to
finish within the allotted time which is 20 minutes while the
rest of the students representing 90% were not able to
complete typing the 5 sentences and could not touch type.
Post-intervention
Research question 1
How will a colored keyboard improve learners keyboarding
skills?
Microsoft Word test on keyboarding skills at the end of the
intervention.
The table above shows the students performances using the
colored keyboard in Microsoft word application at the end of
the intervention. 14 students representing 70% were able to
complete the typing of 5 sentences within the allotted time
(i.e. 15 minutes. 4 students representing 20% were able to type
4 sentences completely within the time frame and 2 students
representing 10% were able to type 3 sentences completely. in
all a total of 70% finished all the five sentence within the
allotted time, while 4 and 2 students representing 20% and
10% were able to type 4 and 3 sentences respectively
Research question 2
How will a colored keyboard help learners to identify the keys
on the keyboard?
Learners were observed after the intervention on how learners
identify the keys on the colored keyboard.
It was observed that 11 students representing 55% can now
type accurately without looking at the keyboard but at a slow
pace. 4 students representing 20% can type accurately without
looking on the keyboard but at a very slow pace and 5 students
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representing 25% accurately looking on the keyboard.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the entire study and the findings,
draw conclusions based on the findings, make
recommendations and offer suggestions for further research.
Summary
This research is made up of five chapters. Chapter one consist
of background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose
and specific objectives of the study, research questions and the
significance of the study. Chapter two of this research is made
up of a review of related literature. It reviewed what other
publications or researchers have said about the problem been
studied.The chapter three of this research considered the
methodology used. It talked about the research design,
population and sample selection, research instruments,
intervention processes, data collection procedures and data
analysis.The results of the study were presented in the chapter
four. This chapter considered the presentation of pre-
intervention results and post-intervention results. The report
concludes with the chapter five. This chapter summarizes the
work and draws conclusions to the findings. It also offers
recommendations and suggestions for further research. As
noted earlier, the findings of this study is that, the increased
performance in using the keyboard is as a result of the use of
colored keyboard.
Conclusion
The findings from this study strongly indicates that students
keyboarding skills can be improved greatly through the use of
colored keyboard that allow for interrelated sensory,
perceptual, mental and psychomotor motor skills because
according to Olinzock (1998), keyboarding is a complex skill
made up of finely discriminated movement patterns that
depend upon interrelated sensory, perceptual, mental and
motor inputs and outputs which must occur close together in
time. From this research it is also evidently clear that student‟s
keyboarding skills can be improved if they are given enough
time to practice. It was also clear from the typing test
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Paper Title:-Improving the Keyboarding Skills of Basic School Learners Using the Colored keyboard. A Case of a Ghanaian
Basic School
administered at the end of the interventions that students will
become efficient in using colored keyboard if their
keyboarding skills are to be improved.
Recommendations
As the results of this study has shown the increased
performance in using the keyboard is as a result of the use of
colored keyboard in typing if students are given sufficient
time for practical demonstration. It is therefore recommended
that the Ghana Education Service (GES) should equip all basic
schools in the country with several types of colored keyboard
for self-instructional tutorials. Again it is also recommended
that much time should be allotted for keyboarding skills in the
basic schools‟ Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) syllabus, probably a whole term.
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