Systematic lessons for the Fitaly input method have often been asked in the past, and there have been several suggestions for a game-type training program, because Fitaly users not only want to get very fast but also want to reach this state as quickly as possible. Now, here it is, and it is called FitalyLetris.
The idea of FitalyLetris is to write the words that fall down. To complete a word, enter a space after it. Also there are several modes — Test, Drill, Game — that focus on different demands and therefore handle the speed and other parameters in different ways.
FitalyLetris is word-oriented (at places, even sentence-oriented). So you should not feel bound to enter character per character but learn to write words as patterns. This is key to improving your speed. Actually, fast Fitaly users already identify the next word pattern as they tap the current word.
First, let us briefly explain the game modes. So if you have already been playing with it a little, you could skip this. Then, the second part provides hints. The third part concludes with training tips.
| Part 1 | |
| Part 2 | |
| Part 3 |
In Test mode you want to know the exact speed. So both the actual WPM and and standardized WPM are shown.
Drill mode wants to keep you practicing as long as possible. So the score shown is the number of characters entered.
In Game mode the speed is slowly increased up to your maximum speed in stages. So the maximum speed you have reached is shown, expressed as a standard WPM.
Open the menu and chose a text under "Train" or "Tests"
Tap on the preview window at the upper end of the screen. You will see a short preview of the text. From there you get into the edit mode. Note that there is a menu with Cut, Copy, Paste and so on. It is recommended that you use Text 1 .. Text 5 for your own texts. So you could import e. g. juristic or medical texts via the clipboard.
Note also a title can be defined at the beginning of each text. Set it between chevrons like «Title» and it will be shown in the preview window.
For more information on this topic see How to get very fast in the Fitaly & FitalyStamp FAQ
The essence of a good training is to build up quickness and accuracy.
It will help if you are confident that it will work. It will. After a time you probably will write very quickly without even thinking about where a certain character is and you will start seing words as patterns on the Fitaly.
Itzhak Perlman, the famous violinist who claimed to have no technical problems at all, was asked how to practice. He said: "First of all - practice slowly". So a suggestion would be to begin the training in game mode, and always at a speed that is 10 WMP less than the maximum. Speed will increase automatically in stages and fall back when the maximum has been reached.
Also it will be essential to enjoy literally the light and easy tapping at the slow speed, feeling comfortable. Then, after 80 words or so, go into the race. But don't overdo it. And don't skip the first 80 words as doing both is what will bring success. You will be surprised how quickly your speed will improve.
It is a good idea to begin with the Center 1 lesson and play it as described at least 3 or 4 times a day. After day 3, you will have reached a certain speed with the center characters. Now proceed to the other lessons, one by one, and learn to reach this speed with them as well. When you reach the "Overall" lesson, go back to Center 1 and start with a new round.
Regular practice is essential. You don't need much, but you should always ask yourself at the end of the day: "Did I do my three games?" Do this until you reach your speed goal.
These two principles of practice - time stretch and item reduction - are supposed to help all of you, from the 10 wpm beginner to the 50 wpm expert, to improve their speed effectively.
Enjoy Fitaly and FitalyLetris!
Hannes Frischat
© 2000-2002 Textware Solutions
FitalyLetris was developed by Hannes Frischat for Textware Solutions and is released as a freeware which you may freely use, copy, and give to others, subject to the terms of the FitalyLetris license agreement.