Keyboarding "rhythm"

For keyboarding classes, I teach students to "think word", not letters. We have repeated drills emphasizing common word endings as well as beginnings. I also stress looking at the text and not at the monitor or keyboard. In fact, in the last couple of years we have used a keyboard cover that prevents students from looking at their hands.

However, transcribing is a different skill altogether. I constantly look at the monitor while transcribing, because that's when I proofread. I do not go back and review what I have transcribed but check as I go. I do think a rhythm is also important in transcribing, and I set my speed even a little slower than others because I try to maintain a rhythm as I go (not taking my foot off the pedal). However, I cannot maintain that rhythm forever as I stop to look up words, etc., but I do think a rhythm is important (at least for me).

I think the secret to speed in keyboarding is practice. I type about 120 wpm, but it's hard to go from straight keying back to transcribing. The brain has to adjust because it's a whole different process. Instant Text (and my large personal glossary) has helped tremendously with that rhythm because I'm not slowing down to type out repetitive phrases.

If you're interested in the software we use in class, please let me know. It has excellent drills for practice. If I think of anything else, I will post it later.

Thanks for reading.
Sharon