With a similar mix of lessons, tests, practice material, and games as Typing Instructor, this version is more accessible to younger kids and offers a fun, motivating and effective way to learn typing skills. There are currently two versions available: Gold and Platinum. Gold is the most updated version with enhancements in graphics, but very few content changes. Choose from Mac or Windows, CD-ROM or downloads. Please note system requirements under each item.
Typing Instructor for Kids features 160 touch-typing lessons which cover all the basic keys (letters, numbers, symbols) on either a standard or a split keyboard (except for the 10-key number pad). There are ten different typing plans to choose from, each geared to a different age group. Regardless of the plan they are following, each student learns the keyboard by taking a tour of "Typer Island" and visiting five different lands as they journey to the Castle. As students journey through Old West, On the Water, In the Air, Over the Edge, and Under the Sea, they'll learn new keys and complete exciting challenges (usually timed) like typing to shoot words out of the sky, racing a Viking ship by typing words as quickly as possible, and typing words printed on sharks before they eat you! The activities build upon each other so students can't move on until their skills are ready. The changes in scenery add a lot of variety to the lessons, but you can still rely on helpful features including visual instruction with the 3-D guide hands and keyboard. Accuracy and speed (WPM) are also tracked throughout, with students getting instant feedback on their performance, and earning rewards as well.
Of course, the arcade-like games will be the most fun to the beginning typist! The further students advance in the program, the more games will be available to them. Once they make it through all five lands, students capture the Castle, which opens the Lost City, a new addition to the program that provides two new games. While capturing the Castle and exploring the Lost City are the ultimate goals of the game, students earn treasures and points all through the program, which keeps them motivated and entertained. Students can also visit Explorer Isle at any point to play their favorite games (except for Lost City games), using only the keys that they have covered already. They can also visit Story Lagoon and practice typing one of 40 familiar stories, including fairy tales and classic literature. With this programs careful progression, interesting storyline, high-quality animation, 30+ games, multiple skill levels, and English/Spanish instruction, its no wonder it is the winner of so many prestigious educational awards. This one comes highly recommended, folks.
