UltraKey Teacher Guide

Transcription

Version
4.0
Recommended by Teachers Everywhere!
for Windows and Macintosh
®
®
Teacher’s Guide
© Copyright 2002 Bytes of Learning
See next page for limited manual copying permission.
published by
Bytes of Learning Incorporated
60 Renfrew Drive, Suite 210, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 0E1
Tel. (905) 947-4646 or 1-800-465-6428 Fax: 905/475-8650 www.bytesoflearning.com
UltraKey is a trademark of Bytes of Learning Incorporated. Macintosh and QuickTime are the trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
Windows is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
Created or Printed in Canada. Last Revised: April 2002
This manual may be reproduced by the licensed school
for any of the following purposes:
•
For use by teachers whose school has purchased this package.
•
For use in any training workshop or seminar provided for teachers who are learning to
use UltraKey or are evaluating UltraKey. Copies must be retained by the seminar or
workshop leader when the workshop is finished.
The Student Guide that is part of this manual may be reproduced for any students who are
using UltraKey.
Any copies of the manual or Student Guide must bear the original copyright notices.
Anyone receiving a copy of the manual must be made aware that the manual is
copyrighted and that further copying is not permitted without the publisher’s permission.
For any other copying permission, please contact the publisher. Bytes of Learning
welcomes requests for promotional literature and trial copies of software.
The Origin of UltraKey®
Thanks to Teachers
UltraKey is the culmination of a development process that began in 1984. That
process — the creation of the “ultimate” keyboarding tutor — continues even as you
read this. As far as Bytes of Learning is concerned, UltraKey will forever be an
evolving solution for schools and other learning environments.
The company’s first keyboarding instruction program Superkey® was created for the
Apple II in 1984. Fran LaVigne-Henderson, Joyce Rutledge and Maxine Rehder
provided educational guidance. Fran and Joyce were experienced high school
keyboarding teachers and Maxine was an elementary school teacher.
UltraKey® was first created in 1989 for Apple II computers. Other versions were
released for the Macintosh in 1990 and for MS-DOS machines in early 1991.
UltraKey’s instructional design was based on Superkey but many enhancements and
technical capabilities were introduced at the suggestion of teachers and other users.
In 1992, UltraKey Version 2.0 was created as a direct result of formal user surveys,
ongoing teacher comments and evaluations. The practice of listening to customers
and actively addressing their concerns continued. UltraKey Version 3.0 arrived for
Macintosh in 1995 and Windows in 1996.
UltraKey 4.0 is by far the greatest leap forward relative to preceding versions. Indeed we
believe it sets a new standard relative to any educational software on the market today.
Interactive Virtual Reality™, stunning 3D animated graphics, on-board videos, the
Internet-based Keyboarding Support Center™ and many more features make
UltraKey 4.0 a truly exemplary learning program.
Thanks to teachers Fran LaVigne-Henderson, Joyce Rutledge and Maxine Rehder
who were instrumental in creating the original Superkey which formed the foundation
for UltraKey.
Thanks to teachers who used Superkey and provided the suggestions that inspired
UltraKey.
Thanks to teachers who have used UltraKey and who have offered ideas that have
been implemented in new versions.
Thanks to teachers Fran LaVigne-Henderson, Cheryl Cerri-Llamas and Kathie Dulmage
for providing the keyboarding expertise on the version 4.0 development team. Fran
returns from our original Superkey team, Cheryl is a successful elementary school
keyboarding instructor, and Kathie is a published ergonomics specialist.
Thanks to you for your continuing support. Please enjoy our work and keep those
suggestions coming!
Sincerely,
Art Willer, M.Ed., President.
It Takes a Marvelous Team to Make a Marvelous Product
UltraKey is developed and published by Bytes of Learning Incorporated in association with several
development contractors and associate authors. Bytes of Learning is grateful to the following contributors:
Development Direction:
Art Willer
Co-ordination, Design and Documentation:
Julie Miller
Keyboarding Process and Consultation:
Fran Henderson
Cheryl Cerri-Llamas
Kathleen Dulmage
Primary Programming:
Paul Thomas
Other Programming:
Vicki Chung
Greg Gunston
Susan Ho
Brian Power
Program Engineering and Consultation:
Frank Huntley, Kingston Software Factory
3D Graphics and VR:
Votch Levi, BVS Media Productions
Videography:
Chris Oar, BVS Media Productions
Video Editing:
Michael Filson, BVS Media Productions
Video Narration:
Pam Imbessi
Special thanks to Lakewood Elementary School
and the City of Modesto, California
Live video footage for UltraKey Version 4.0 was shot at Lakewood Elementary School, in
Modesto, California. Administrators, teachers, students, parents and other members of the
Modesto community including the City of Modesto Police Department, co-operated. Bytes of
Learning is very grateful to these people for their wonderful support and encouragement.
UltraKey Teacher’s Guide
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Keyboarding Tutor -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
Designed for learning -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
Current Information and Approach ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Supporting the Teacher ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2
The Keyboarding Support Center™ --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Adaptable --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Accurate analysis and useful assessment --------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Friendly but Powerful Management System ----------------------------------------------------------- 4
UltraKey Puts You in Charge ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
UltraKey Management --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
General Management and Class Management --------------------------------------------------------- 5
Management Access Key --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
General Management Capabilities ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Class Management Capabilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Quick Installation Guide ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
Starting UltraKey --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Activating UltraKey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
Disks and CDs Supplied WITHOUT Serial and Access Numbers ---------------------------------- 7
On-line Purchases, Multiple Station Licenses, and Network Licenses ----------------------------- 8
Operating UltraKey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
Creating a New User Record ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Opening an Existing User Record ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Changing the Entered Name ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Saving Records --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Sending Records Home with Students ------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Resetting Typing Forum --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Changing Skin Tone -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Speaking ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Changing Voice -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Operating Any Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Closing a Record ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11
Exiting Any Activity -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Exiting UltraKey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11
Student Reports ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Progress Report ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Skill Check: Most Recent Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Skill Check: Overall Performance Chart--------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Skill Check: Performance Charts ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Typing Forum: Performance Chart --------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Typing Forum: Most Recent Results ------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Setting Program Options to Suit Your Needs ----------------------------------------------------------- 13
Operating the Options Screen --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
User Preferences ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Sounds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Turning Speech Off and On ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Screen Font ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Changing Keyboard Display ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Skin Tone Selection --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Hiding and Showing the Time Bar in Skill Check and Typing Forum----------------------------- 15
Editing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15
Automatic Saving ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Program Options --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Challenge Levels ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 16
One Space or Two Spaces? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
Shift Key Usage ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Setting Sequence Control -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Controlling the lengths of Skill Checks, Typing Tests and Free Typing --------------------------- 20
Speed Calculation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Examples of Speed Calculation: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21
What’s a “Better” Result? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Avoiding Conflicts Between Better Results and Passing Results ---------------------------------- 23
Report Best or Last Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24
Passwords -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
WWW Access --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
File Access Functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24
Saving Option Settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
The Posture Lesson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 25
Learning Home Row and the Finger Names ----------------------------------------------------------- 26
Learning the Keyboard ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
Completing a Lesson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
Tips for Your Students ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27
Building Performance with Skill Checks ---------------------------------------------------------------- 27
Completing a skill check --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Reading Copy Aloud ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Skill Check Reports and Printouts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Tips for Your Students ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28
Typing Forum ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
Tips for You and Your Students ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
Selecting and Creating Skill Checks and Typing Tests ----------------------------------------------- 30
Printing Font and Size ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 31
Other Ideas for Group Instruction ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Training Resources and Classroom Materials --------------------------------------------------------- 31
Class Management ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Creating a New Class ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
The Class Management Screen ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
Enrolling Students in a Class ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Enrolling Students with the Class Managment Enroll Function ------------------------------------ 33
Importing UltraKey 3.0 Records ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34
Transfering and Adopting Students --------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Setting Options for Your Class -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Viewing, Setting and Locking Student Information -------------------------------------------------- 36
Setting Challenge Levels for More Than One Student ---------------------------------------------- 37
Clearing the Student Lesson Record ------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
Creating, Editing and Selecting Skill Checks and Typing Tests for Your Class ------------------ 37
Reports on Students and On the Class ----------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Your Ideas and Comments are Welcome! --------------------------------------------------------------- 38
★ UltraKey’s Quick Start Guide ★
Diagrams of UltraKey’s screens and information on all button functions
can be found in the Quick Start Guide.
The Ultimate Keyboarding Tutor
Keyboarding is not just a convenient skill, but a required competency in today’s
modern world. UltraKey 4.0 is the keyboarding tutor for the 21st century.
UltraKey’s power does not lie in glitzy gimmicks, but in these fundamentals:
• Designed by experienced educators
• Uses current information on teaching and learning keyboarding
• Provides extensive teacher support
• Adaptable to a wide range of teaching and learning styles
• Generates accurate and useful assessments
• Friendly but powerful class management
• Empowers teachers and learners
Designed for learning
The basis of UltraKey’s design has always been good teaching practice. UltraKey
features the finest 3D animation, computer graphics, and video designed for maximum
learning. Drill and practice games are conspicuously absent from the program. While
games may be fun, they don’t necessarily teach anything. In fact, games can even
reinforce poor typing habits because they encourage a “rush rush” attitude. UltraKey
directly teaches keyboarding without pressure. It concentrates on typing well and it
provides the greatest satisfaction of all by making every user a success!
UltraKey’s lessons progressively and systematically build the learner’s skill. Each
lesson starts by teaching the isolated keystroke and making sure the learner is successful.
As each lesson proceeds, UltraKey introduces common letter combinations, words,
and sentences. The learner then progresses to full paragraphs and passages.
Throughout this process, UltraKey develops typing skill holistically. This means that
as each element of language is presented — letter, letter combination, word, sentence,
paragraph, and passage — the user is encouraged to type each element as a whole unit. At
the appropriate times UltraKey provides additional instruction and remedial help. This
approach fosters the development of fluency in typing.
Getting Help
UltraKey is equipped with an onboard web site that illustrates the use of all
UltraKey modules and the topics they cover. To access these informational files,
look for the i-button and the More button in each module. You can also access
Bytes of Learning’s Keyboarding Support Center by clicking the WWW button.
Look for this icon for
information about how to
use UltraKey’s modules.
Page 1
Look for this icon for more
information about the topic
of the module.
© Copyright 2002 Bytes of Learning Incorporated
UltraKey helps people learn by animating each keystroke and guiding the learner.
Like a good teacher, UltraKey only intervenes and demonstrates correct keyboarding
technique and offers more practice when the learner needs it.
UltraKey has five main learning activities:
POSTURE introduces correct body and hand positions essential to keyboarding by
touch. UltraKey utilizes Interactive Virtual Reality™ to present information in a
uniquely engaging way. Posture is stressed throughout UltraKey to reinforce safety, as
well as the role that proper posture plays in good keyboarding.
FINGERS teaches the terms that are used in the lessons including the name of each
finger. This activity also introduces the home row position and demonstrates efficient
striking technique.
LESSONS contains a sequence of units that develop your keyboarding skill a letter
group at a time. Every finger action is demonstrated with 3D animated graphics.
Audio feedback further enhances the learning power of this activity.
SKILL CHECK provides practice, assesses your progress, and suggests ways to
improve. Skill Check includes timed keyboarding passages and the freedom to use
your own custom skill checks.
TYPING FORUM™ lets you practice and formally test typing skills. In addition,
Typing Forum can be used for group typing activities and custom lessons that keep
student interest and strengthen weak areas. Typing Forum allows teachers to add
variety to keyboarding instruction.
UltraKey’s
Module
Buttons
Current Information and Approach
UltraKey’s design team combines over 60 years of teaching experience. The design
team is made up of educators from primary and secondary schools plus experts in the
fields of ergonomics, instructional design, and educational technology. These experts
bring the latest educational research and practical experience to the design of
UltraKey and its support materials.
Supporting the Teacher
The authors of UltraKey are committed to providing the best support for teachers.
Many teachers are given the responsibility for teaching keyboarding without being
provided necessary training or resources. While UltraKey is primarily intended for
student instruction, it is also an excellent learning tool for the teacher.
Teacher support in UltraKey comes in several forms. UltraKey’s live classroom
videos convey important keyboarding concepts and demonstrate excellent teaching
techniques. UltraKey has an onboard web site that contains information on keyboarding
topics and best use of the program. UltraKey also connects directly to Bytes of
Learning’s Keyboarding Support Center™.
The Keyboarding Support Center™
To bring teachers up to the minute help and information, UltraKey has its own web site
accessible directly from the program. Clicking on the WWW button takes you directly to
Bytes of Learning’s Keyboarding Support Center where you can access more information
and learning materials.
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Features of the Keyboarding Support Center™ include:
• Updated information about all topics covered in UltraKey
• Downloadable instructional materials, skill checks and typing tests
• Program updates
• Tips and ideas from the experts
• Access to keyboarding experts
• Links to other keyboarding related sites
• Technical support
• Information about other keyboarding instruction products
Adaptable
Teachers do not all teach the same way and learners do not all learn the same way.
Over the years, teachers and other users have suggested ways to improve UltraKey,
but many of these ideas have often conflicted with each other. They have reflected the
variety of needs that users have.
Instead of imposing one approach on all users, numerous options have been implemented
so the software can adapt to local and individual needs. For instance, teachers can
elect controlled sequencing, change pass levels, tell the program how to calculate
speed, and more. Users can change skin tone, select a preferred voice, and set their
own challenge levels.
UltraKey is also designed to adapt by suiting the moment. For example, users who
have limited instructional time may quickly proceed through each lesson seeing only
the most essential learning concepts. Where more time is available, and users have
greater ability to comprehend, they can access extensive information found in
UltraKey’s onboard web site. Students who need assistance can request UltraKey to
read instruction and content aloud.
Accurate analysis and useful assessment
Many keyboarding tutors analyze typing by comparing the character above with the
typed character below it. If the user misses a key or inserts a letter, the characters
don’t match up so the program assumes the next letters are incorrect. This simplistic
approach generates inaccurate and misleading information about typing accuracy.
Adding Variety to Keyboarding Instruction
To get started adding variety to keyboarding instruction, click on the
button while in Typing Forum. There you will find tips and activities. Different
kinds of materials are also available in the typing test area of Typing Forum.
Use these materials to work on weak spots or download more from the
Keyboarding Support Center.
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Consider this example:
Typical Program’s Analysis
Sample Test line:
Mary took her dog for a walk
User Types:
Marry toook hr dog a walk to
Inaccurate character-by-character analysis:
Mary took her dog for a walk
Marry toook hr dog a walk to
to the park.
the park.
to the park.
the park.
xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx
UltraKey’s Analysis
Sample Test line:
Mary took her dog for a walk to the park.
User Types:
Marry toook hr dog a walk to the park.
UltraKey’s accurate holistic analysis:
Marry toook her dog for a walk to the park.
If a program doesn’t accurately measure typing, how can it recommend ways to
improve? UltraKey is the only keyboarding tutor that provides realistic keyboarding
exercises and accurately analyzes typing skill.
When UltraKey tests skills, users type just as if they are using a word processing
program. When they finish typing, UltraKey identifies every wrong key, inserted key
and missed key. UltraKey bases its recommendations on these errors because there
are specific ways to correct them. UltraKey also looks for chains, or combinations of
letters that are troublesome. Extra practice is provided where appropriate.
Friendly but Powerful Management System
UltraKey saves a personal record for each user. It checks off the activities and lessons
as the learner proceeds and records the user’s performance. These individual records
About The Manual
The UltraKey manual has been written in three parts – Teacher’s Guide,
Technical Help Guide and Student Guide. The rest of this Teacher’s Guide
will focus on how to take advantage of the features outlined above. See the
Technical Help Guide for information on technical matters and feel free to
make copies of the Student Guide for your students.
Page 4
can be organized and managed within a powerful but straightforward management
system that works on both Windows or Macintosh networks or networks that combine
both platforms. Although access to management can be hidden, it is included in every
copy of UltraKey. The management system allows the teacher to control option
settings, organize records, create custom tests and skill checks, and compare and contrast
the performance of students in various ways. Valuable reports can be printed for parents
and administrators.
UltraKey Puts You in Charge
You and your students are in charge of UltraKey and not the other way around. For
instance, subject to sequence control settings, users can access or leave any learning
activity at any time. Teachers and learners have the power to control their own experience.
UltraKey is also adaptable to any school technology environment. UltraKey is engineered
for use with any type of network, whether it’s a peer-to-peer, local or wide area
network. UltraKey is also fully cross platform compatible. This means that Windows
and Macintosh computers can share the same management directory and use the same
records. You decide how UltraKey is set up. In fact, if you have a situation and you
are not sure how UltraKey can be adapted, give Bytes of Learning a call.
UltraKey Management
UltraKey has an integrated management system that lets you adapt UltraKey’s functioning
to your own situation. On networks, you can manage UltraKey from any workstation
without activating a separate program.
Management is divided into two parts, General Management and Class Management. To
access the management modules, click on the Management button on the license
screen. If the button is not visible, use the management access key combination to
make the button visible. See Management Access Key, below.
General Management and Class Management
General and Class Management have distinctly different functions. The setup of the
program is controlled by the general manager. Options set by the general manager
apply to all users of that copy of UltraKey. In this way the general manager is like the
principal of the “UltraKey” school.
The class manager is typically a classroom teacher. Options set by the class manager
apply to the students in his or her class.
Management Access Key
The Management Access Key is a key combination you can use to hide and show
the Management button on the startup screen. The General Manager has the power
to change the Management Access Key. The General Manager should make sure
that all class managers know the access key. At installation, the key is ShiftControl-H. To maintain security, the manager should change this key.
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While UltraKey can operate without using class management, the Class Management area
includes powerful tools that are not included in General Management. For example, you
cannot print class reports unless classes are created.
General Management Capabilities
The general manager sets the defaults and general operation elements across all users
and classes. Only one name and password can be set for accessing General
Management.
The UltraKey general manager may:
• Set the password for General Management.
• Set the Management Access Key.
• Determine the location of the management directory.
• View student passwords.
• View class passwords.
• Set the general default options for new records and classes.
• Create and edit custom skill checks and typing tests.
• View and print individual student reports and save report data to disk.
• Access classes without a password.
• Manage general records.
Class Management Capabilities
Within the Class Management area, class managers may create new classes or open an
existing class. A class may be set up for many students.
A class manager may:
• Set a password to access the class in Class Management.
• Set options for the class and decide what preferences students may modify.
• Select and create skill checks and typing tests for their class.
• Review and print class performance reports and save report data to disk.
• Review and print student performance reports and save report data to disk.
• Set, view and change student information such as name, password and challenge level.
Read more about Class Management in the section titled, Class Management.
Using the UltraKey CD on Windows Systems
The Windows operating system will always autorun the UltraKey CD. To stop
a CD-ROM from autorunning hold down the Shift key as you put the CD in
the drive. You can also turn off autorun in your Windows CD-ROM drive
settings.
Page 6
Quick Installation Guide
On a Windows system when you insert the UltraKey CD into your CD drive, the installation process automatically starts. On a Macintosh system double-click the UltraKey CD
icon, then double-click the UltraKey installer icon. Follow the directions presented by the
installer. The installer will look for the presence of required features such as QuickTime
and Adobe Acrobat. On a Windows system the installer will also look for the presence of a
compatible speech engine. If a required feature is not present, the installer will give
additional instructions. Please note that the installer does not look for the presence of
Internet Explorer 4.0 or later. On Windows systems IE4 must be installed for the onboard
web site to function. On Macintosh system 8.1 there must be a default browser specified
for the onboard web site to function. Installation of UltraKey 4.0 takes about 5 minutes.
For suggestions and information about setting up UltraKey on a network or installing
UltraKey 3.0, see the Technical Help Guide.
Starting UltraKey
When UltraKey has been installed on a Windows system, use the Start menu and find
UltraKey 4.0 for Windows. Choose UltraKey 4.0 for Windows. On a Macintosh
system, navigate to the location of the UltraKey program and double-click on the
UltraKey 4.0 icon. You do not have to place the UltraKey CD in the drive unless you
have chosen the compact option during installation.
Activating UltraKey
UltraKey starts automatically when you install it. If UltraKey Version 4 has been
activated on this computer before, then it may find its authorization information and
activation will not be required.
All UltraKey purchasers receive serial and activation numbers with their purchase.
On-line purchasers receive numbers with their purchase confirmation. Numbers for
multi-station licenses are found inside the license envelope.
When UltraKey starts up, it will display this dialog:
Page 7
Type the serial number and access code. When the numbers are typed correctly, click
OK. If you type the numbers incorrectly, UltraKey will inform you and exit.
UltraKey will not permit trial-and-error attempts to activate the software.
Now enter the school or site name. Also enter the city or town and state or province
where your school is located. Check spelling and accuracy and click OK. If you
misspell, you can re-activate by selecting Activation on the Help menu in General
Management.
Complete your registration now and send it to Bytes of Learning. This will ensure
that you receive notices of updates and any service that Bytes of Learning offers as
part of your purchase. Registration is a requirement of the terms of purchase.
Copy your serial number and activation code in the space provided. When you
ask for service or require an update, you will need these numbers:
Serial Number:
Activation Code:
Operating UltraKey
UltraKey uses standard operating procedures. If you are familiar with computers, then
you will be able to predict most operation.
UltraKey is intended to be used as part of an ongoing learning program. About 10 to
20 minutes per computer session is recommended with ample time for reinforcement.
Students should use UltraKey for a period of time and then apply their skills by using
a word processing program. To facilitate the learning, UltraKey keeps an individual
electronic record for each user. This record can be re-loaded and changed on each
subsequent use of the program.
Student records are saved as individual files in UltraKey’s management directory.
Students can take their records home to work on by “checking them out”. See
Sending Records Home with Students.
Page 8
Creating a New User Record
If classes exist, users will be asked to choose a class before they create a new record.
If the class has open enrollment then a new record is created within the class. See
Enrollment in Class Management.
If classes have been set up, first choose the class and open it. To create a new record in the
class, click New. Type your first and last name in the spaces provided and click Next. The
user will then be asked to enter a password. Enter a password or check “Don’t require
password.” Click the Next button to accept this setting. Select a Challenge Level. The
available Challenge Levels and their settings are set in management. Set Your Own is
adjusted on the Challenge Levels dialog accessed through the Edit menu. You may click
Back at any point to change your entries. Click Finish to create your new record.
Opening an Existing User Record
To open a record, the user opens the class he or she belongs to and opens the record.
Double-clicking or clicking the Open button opens a selected item. A password is
required if the user has set one.
Directions for opening checked out records are found in Sending Records Home with
Students.
Changing the Entered Name
When a person creates a new record, a first and last name is requested. This name can be
changed by pulling down the Edit menu and selecting Name. Type the correction or new
name and click OK. Names can also be changed by the class or general manager. Names
and passwords can be locked by the class or general manager. If names or passwords are
locked, students do not have access to the name or password dialog.
Saving Records
When a new record is created, UltraKey saves it in UltraKey’s management directory.
Automatic saving can be turned on for all users or turned on by individual users by
accessing Automatic Saving on the Edit menu. UltraKey automatically saves the
record when it is closed. Automatic saving is not recommended for Citrix users or for
older networks.
Sending Records Home with Students
Students can check out and take home their records for additional practice if they
have UltraKey 4.0 on their home computers.
To check out a record for use on another network or a home computer, choose Check
Out on the File menu when the record is open. Navigate to the floppy drive or other
medium and save the record. The user may then use this record on another system by
double-clicking on it to start UltraKey, or by selecting Open from the File menu and
navigating to the floppy disk using standard Windows procedures.
The next time the user opens his or her record, the user is prompted to “check in” the
record. The user will be given three choices: Check in now, Check in later, or Never
Check in.
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Note that the checking in and checking out function is a record replacement function
and not an amalgamation. When the record is checked in, the data from the checked
out record replaces the data in the user’s internal record. So the user should check a
record in before continuing any work with his or her internal record.
The Check out function can be disabled from the User Access Functions option.
Resetting Typing Forum
The Typing Forum helps you build general keyboarding skill and keeps a record of the
last ten results. When new material is used, you may want to reset the record so UltraKey
can record a new set of results. To clear the Typing Forum record, pull down the Edit
menu and choose Reset Forum Record. This option can be disabled from the User
Access Function option.
Changing Skin Tone
UltraKey acknowledges ethnic differences by providing a range of skin tones for
modeling purposes. Depending on how the skin tones option is set, students can select
skin tones of their personal preference. See Setting Program Options to Suit Your Needs.
The translucent skin tones can make it easier to see new keystrokes when they are
being demonstrated.
Figure. Skin Tone dialog
Pull down the Edit menu and choose Skin Tone.
Note: hands can be made invisible by selecting No for the show hands selection on
the Keyboard Display option.
Speaking
UltraKey can read aloud instructions and keyboard practice material. Click the Speak
button or pull down the Edit menu and select Speak. You can also choose automatic
speech to have UltraKey read all instructions and content aloud automatically. Any object
or item of text can be read aloud by clicking on it for Mac or right-clicking for Windows.
When automatic speech is active the Auto Speech button will be lit up. Turn automatic
speech on or off by clicking on the Auto Speech button.
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Quick Keys
UltraKey allows you to access any module without lifting your hands from the
keyboard. To go to a module, click on the module’s button or use the
corresponding quick key combination.
Win
Mac
Win
Mac
Posture:
Ctrl-1 -1
Lessons:
Ctrl-3
-3
Fingers:
Ctrl-2 -2
Skill Check: Ctrl-4
-5
Speak:
-T
Typing Forum: Ctrl-5 -5
Ctrl-T
UltraKey is well suited to special needs due to its voice-accompanied instruction.
When Spell Words is selected, UltraKey says the word and spells it for the learner.
Spell Words is found on the Edit menu under Speech.
Changing Voice
Choose Voice from the Edit menu. Voice selections depend on the voices that are
available from the system. The selections are determined by the speech engine you
may have installed. Moving among computers may alter the voice selection. On a
Windows system UltraKey requires a Windows SAPI Compliant speech engine. See
the Technical Help Guide or visit the Keyboarding Support Center.
Operating Any Menu
When menus are numbered, type the number you wish to select OR strike the arrow
keys to highlight the selection you want. Then strike Enter or Space Bar. You can also
point with the mouse at any menu item and double-click to select and go.
Closing a Record
To let a new person use the program, close the current record by clicking the Close
button found on the upper right area of the screen or selecting Close from the File
menu.
Exiting Any Activity
You can exit any activity by striking the escape key or clicking on another module
button on the controller. Click on the controller bar button to make it extend. Click on
the controller button again to make it retract.
Exiting UltraKey
UltraKey can be stopped at any point in the program. Strike Alt+F4 or pull down the
File menu and select Exit (Windows) or Quit (Mac). The program will automatically
save your record if any changes have been made. Do not exit UltraKey by turning off
the computer unless a system failure has occurred.
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Student Reports
Print Reports
There are several different kinds of reports that show information about how the user
is progressing. The report is accessed by clicking the Report button while the user’s
record is open. Reports can also be requested within the management area.
Progress Report
View Reports
The Progress Report shows the lessons and corresponding skill checks that the user
has completed. It also shows the speed and accuracy performance for each skill check
level, the types of errors made, and trouble chains. The data shown will reflect either
the latest skill check taken on each level or the best skill check results for each level,
according to how the Report Best or Last Results option is set. Use this report for an
overall idea of how a student is progressing and areas that need improvement.
Skill Check: Most Recent Results
Print Button
for Current
Skill Check or
Typing Forum
result.
Most Recent Results shows complete information about the last skill check completed.
The information includes the speed and accuracy performance, what the student
typed, errors made, and the recommendations made. This report also prints out when
you click the Print button on the lower area of Skill Check report screens.
Skill Check: Overall Performance Chart
The Skill Check Performance Chart shows the latest or best speed and accuracy
results for each of the skill check levels. Use this report to see the trend of student
performance as they progress through the lessons. This graph also demonstrates the
relationship between speed and accuracy.
Skill Check: Performance Charts
The Skill Check Performance Charts will show the results from the last ten skill checks
taken on the selected level. This chart is the same as the chart on the screen after each skill
check. To select a specific level to chart, click on the Levels button on the view or print
report dialog and check the levels you want to chart. This chart also demonstrates the
relationship between speed and accuracy, but on the same lesson level.
Typing Forum: Performance Chart
The Typing Forum Performance Chart shows up to the last 10 results of typing tests taken
in Typing Forum. This chart shows the development of the user’s skill over time.
Typing Forum: Most Recent Results
The Typing Forum Most Recent Results report shows the results of the last typing test
completed in Typing Forum. This is also the report that prints out when you request a
printed report from the Typing Forum module directly after completing a test. Note
that Free Typing is not saved, so you can only print what you have typed in free
typing while you are still in Typing Forum.
Saving Report Data
Managers can save data from student and class reports. All data in student and class
reports other than charts are saved in a tab delimited text file that can be imported into any
spreadsheet program. To save a student report, select the student or student’s and click the
Save button under Student Reports in class or general management. To save a class report,
click the Class Reports button on the class management screen and then click Save.
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Setting Program Options to Suit Your Needs
UltraKey includes many options that let teachers adapt the program to the needs of
their students. The program can be adjusted and readjusted at any time, but it is best
to consider all adjustments before using the program with students.
The options are accessed through General Management or through Class Management.
Select General Options from the Management menu in General Management. These
options apply to the UltraKey program and act as defaults for new user records. When you
are using Class Management, select Class Options from the Management menu. These
options apply to the users that are in your class. For more on class management see Class
Management later in this manual.
Operating the Options Screen
To access the Options, click on the General Options button in General Management or the
Class Options button in Class Management. Click on an option in the options list or use
the arrow keys to select it. The details for the selected option will appear on the right hand
side of the box.
Through the options, you can control many aspects of the UltraKey program. Users
are allowed to control the options that are listed under User Preferences and have a
check box with the message “Allow user control”. Options of this type appear as
preference settings on the user’s Edit menu. If you would like to remove an option
from user control, click in the “Allow user control” check box to deselect it. Program
Options do not offer a choice of user control. Program Options are imposed on all
users or all students depending on the context.
Figure. The Options Screen
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User Preferences
Sounds
When you take a lesson UltraKey emits different sounds. Key clicks and tones are
part of the reinforcements of the program. You may silence some or all of these
sounds by using the sounds option. Simply uncheck the sounds you do not want.
This option can be user controllable through the Edit menu.
Turning Speech Off and On
UltraKey can read aloud all presented instruction. In some circumstances, you may
wish to turn this capability off or on. There are three settings you can have for speech:
Figure. Speech Option
Speak during login tells UltraKey to speak during the login process regardless of the
student’s personal setting. You can also set UltraKey to automatically spell words in
the word practice part of lessons. If this box is checked, UltraKey will speak each
word then spell it out.
Manual speech requires the users right-click (Windows) or click (Macintosh) the text
that they would like to hear read. Select Voice from the Edit menu to select a voice.
The range of voice choices are dependent upon the speech engine installed on the
system. Macintosh and Windows systems have different voices. If a record is used on
both systems the voice may need to be reselected.
Screen Font
UltraKey allows the user to select a larger font to be displayed on the screen. The font size
selected in this option will be used for each subsequent new record. Screen font may
always be changed by the user. Screen Font is only available in 800x600 resolution or
better.
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Changing Keyboard Display
UltraKey can display letter keys and symbols on the key caps or color code the keys to
help users learn the pattern of matching fingers to keys. There are different schools of
thought about having blank keys, “capped” keys, and color coding so the choice is left to
you. To change keyboard display, choose Keyboard Display and make your choices.
UltraKey also frames the key when it is animated to emphasize the proper key to be
struck. These key frames can also be turned off in the Keyboard Display option.
UltraKey can also be set to not display and animate the hands during instruction. If No is
selected then the hands will not be shown, but the keyboard will still animate the key.
Figure. Keyboard Display Option
Skin Tone Selection
The clear and life-like graphics used by UltraKey provide clear instruction but, if the
program only used Caucasian models, a bias could be conveyed. To avoid this,
UltraKey allows choice of skin tone. Translucent skin tones are also available. These
allow the user to see the keys through the hands.
If you check Allow user control, Skin Tone becomes available on the Edit menu.
Hiding and Showing the Time Bar in Skill Check and Typing Forum
A time bar can be displayed during timed skill checks and typing tests. The time bar
graphically displays the remaining time during the test. However, this can be distracting
to some learners. Choose the Time Bar option and select Yes or No as desired.
Editing
The editing option lets you disable or enable editing during skill checks and typing tests.
This option will be available to the user if the “Allow user control” box is checked.
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Automatic Saving
Automatic Saving allows you to set UltraKey to save user records when each activity
is completed or to save only when the save button is clicked. Selecting “Automatically
Save” will set UltraKey to save whenever an activity is completed. Selecting “Save
only on closing” sets UltraKey to save when the save button is clicked. Regardless of
the setting, UltraKey will always save when the record is closed.
Program Options
Challenge Levels
UltraKey has three different challenge levels that can be modified to suit your needs.
Challenge levels include information about pass levels and how much practice users
will get in each lesson. Up to 3 different challenge levels may be made available. A
“Set your own” level can be adjusted by the user.
On the Challenge Level option, select the levels you want to be available to users.
The name of the level that will appear on the user’s Edit menu can also be changed.
Figure. Challenge Level Option
Assigning Challenge Levels to Individual Students
You can assign specific challenge levels to individual students or groups of
students within a class in Class Management. Select the students in the roster
and click Set Levels on the Class Management screen. The Set Levels dialog
also allows you to lock the setting so the students may not change it. For more
information see Class Management later in this manual.
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You may then set each individual level's options.
Figure. The Setting Option for a Challenge Level
When a student takes a skill check, UltraKey checks the skill check as “passed” if the
student passes the current challenge level. The settings for each challenge level tell
UltraKey what criteria and what result is required for a pass on that level. Choose the
level you wish to modify. Check the criteria to be used: Speed, Accuracy, or both.
Then enter the minimum values. The values must be integers. A skill check is passed
when the user matches or exceeds the entered values.
When you change these settings, UltraKey automatically reassesses each subsequent
user. Suppose a user has passed skill checks 1 through 6 and the user increases the
challenge level. If only 1, 2 and 4 meet the new criteria, then only those skill checks
are indicated as passed. Suppose you set a level at a low pass requirement such as
92% accuracy and 10 words per minute. When users have passed all the skill checks
at this lower performance level, you can increase the requirements, challenging them
to pass the skill checks at higher levels.
Each challenge level may be set to light, medium, or heavy practice. This setting affects
all areas where length of practice may vary. The following are general illustrations.
Light Practice: There will be one screen of text (1-3 lines) to be typed in each lesson step.
A remediation chain practice will be presented once if needed.
Medium Practice: There will be two screens of text (2-6 lines) to be typed in each
lesson step. A remediation chain practice will be presented up to two times if needed.
Heavy Practice: There will be 3 screens of text (3-9 lines) to be typed in each
lesson step. A remediation chain practice will be presented up to three times if
needed.
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One Space or Two Spaces?
UltraKey can put one or two spaces between sentences in skill checks. If a person
uses Skill Check and puts the wrong number of spaces between sentences, UltraKey
reminds the user in the report provided.
Figure. Spacing Option
Shift Key Usage
Keyboarding teachers often disagree about when to teach the Shift key. The Shift Key
Usage option allows you to select with which lesson you would like to begin using
the Shift key. Lesson 2 through Lesson 6 can be selected.
The Shift key option also allows you to decide how the text will be presented until the
Shift key is taught.
Figure. Shift Key Option
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Setting Sequence Control
UltraKey can require users to complete each activity in order. To set Sequence Control, choose
Sequence Control from the Options menu.
Figure. Sequence Control Option
In some situations a more guided approach may be necessary. Some teachers may like
the security of knowing that the students are working through the learning activities
in the recommended order. Other teachers may prefer a more open approach. The
sequence control option lets you decide how you want your students to work.
The choices for sequence control are pictured above. You can require Posture and Fingers
to be done before the student can begin taking lessons. You can also require that lessons
and skill checks be done in order. This means that the students could not skip ahead to
other lessons before the previous lessons are complete. You can also require that skill
checks be passed before the next lesson is available. If this choice is selected and a student
takes a skill check on a level that they have previously passed and does not pass the skill
check, they will not be able to advance to the next lesson until the skill check is passed
again. You can also block Typing Forum and Challengers until all of the letters have been
learned. You can block Free Typing from being available when Typing Forum is available.
Users are usually required to complete all lesson sub-steps before a lesson is considered
complete, but this can also be controlled through this option. Uncheck Lesson steps
must be done in order to allow users to select any lesson step in the lesson step menu.
If a user selects and completes the Practice Sentences step. UltraKey will consider the
lesson complete.
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Controlling the lengths of Skill Checks, Typing Tests and Free Typing
You might want to be sure that students take the same length typing test each time or
require a particular length of typing test. You can control the lengths of skill checks,
typing tests and free typing that are offered to students when they use Skill Check and
Typing Forum with the Skill Check Length, Typing Test Length, and Free Typing
Length options.
Figure. Skill Check Length Option
Each of these options are similar to each other. Check the boxes of the length of
passages that you want to offer your students.
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Speed Calculation
UltraKey can be adjusted to use any typing measurement system.
Figure. Speed Calculation Option
Gross speed does not consider errors. It tells how fast the user is typing but is not generally
regarded as an official measure. The Modified International Typing Contest Rules are
used in typing courses and standard tests. In this system, 2 words are deducted for each
word error. A “word” is five keystrokes. A word containing an error is a “word error”.
The Speed Calculation option lets you enter a custom set of rules if you wish.
One penalty system subtracts a certain number of words for each error before
dividing by the time taken. The other calculates the gross speed and then deducts a
certain number of words per minute per error.
Examples of Speed Calculation:
A user types 80 words in two minutes. 2 word errors are made.
Gross speed = 80 words / 2 minutes
= 40 wpm
Modified International Typing Contest Rules ...
Net speed
= (# words - 2 X word errors) / time taken
= (80 words - 2 X 2 words) / 2 minutes
= 76 words / 2 minutes
= 38 wpm
Custom rules ... 5 strokes per word and a 2 wpm penalty per word error ...
Net speed
= (# words / time taken) - 2 X wpm per word error
= (80 words / 2 minutes) - 2 X 2 wpm
= 36 wpm
If the Speed Calculation option is changed and a record is loaded that was developed
using a different speed calculation, UltraKey automatically upgrades all recorded
speeds to the new method. So all speeds within any printed report are comparable.
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What’s a “Better” Result?
UltraKey congratulates users when they improve their performance. If a person gets a
higher accuracy and speed, this is obviously a better result. But if accuracy improves
and speed drops, is that a better result?
If you tell a user to slow down and aim for more accuracy, you want to reward the
person for doing this. But how much slowdown is permitted?
If a user has achieved 100% accuracy, it is very difficult to get a better result because
the person is likely to make an error. How much accuracy can be sacrificed while
trying to build speed? Teachers have suggested that once users reach a certain
accuracy, they should be encouraged to build speed as long as they stay within a high
range of accuracy.
Considering these needs, here is how the program works:
While a person is developing accuracy, UltraKey encourages the user to let speed find its
own level while focusing on accuracy. For instance, if a user increases accuracy from 92%
to 94% while dropping speed by about 15%, UltraKey classifies this as an improvement
and congratulates the user for achieving a “better” result. Over repeated efforts, the user
will tend to keyboard better and will find a comfortable speed level.
You determine the percentage by which the speed can drop during this stage of
learning. 25% is suggested.
When the user reaches a high level of accuracy, UltraKey encourages the user to
build speed so long as accuracy stays in the high range. When the accuracy remains
high, UltraKey judges a result by totaling the accuracy and speed. If the total is
increased, the result is a “better” result.
You determine what constitutes a “high” rate of accuracy. 98% is suggested.
Figure. What’s Better Option
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The accuracy pass level is different from the high accuracy level. You should not set
the accuracy pass level higher than the high accuracy level. High accuracy should
also be set higher than any pass level accuracy.
Depending on how you set the pass levels, the allowed drop in speed and the high
accuracy, users will experience a series of responses as they work through each
skill check.
Suppose the pass level is 97% accuracy and 20 wpm, the permitted drop is 25% and
the high accuracy is defined as 98%. Here is what a user might experience as he or
she works through a skill check. The following example sets out a series of possible
skill check outcomes:
Trial #1: 92% 25 wpm.
[This was the user’s first trial so no comparisons are made. The user has not met their
challenge level yet.]
Response: No comment is offered. User is encouraged to try again.
Trial #2: 94% 23 wpm.
[The user has increased accuracy and the speed has only dropped 8%. The user has
done better than before, but not reached their chalenge level.]
Response: “Well done! You improved over last time.”
Trial #3: 94% 23 wpm.
[The user has matched his or her previous result, but not met the challenge level.]
Response: No comment is offered. User is encouraged to try again.
Trial #4: 97% 21 wpm.
[This is the first time the user has passed so he or she is congratulated.]
Response: “Congratulations! You passed your challenge level.”
Trial #5: 100% 20 wpm.
[This is the user’s best result ever and is a passing result.]
Response: “Excellent! That was even better than last time.”
Trial #6: 98% 23 wpm.
[Accuracy has dropped but it has remained in the defined high range of 98% or more.
The total accuracy and speed have increased over the previous result.]
Response: “Excellent! That was even better than last time.”
Trial #7: 97% 20 wpm.
[Accuracy has dropped and has not remained in the defined high range of 98% or
more. The total accuracy and speed have decreased over the previous result, but is
still passing for the challenge level.]
Response: “Good work. You continue to pass your challenge level.”
To set this option, pull down the Options menu and select What’s Better. Complete
the requested information.
Avoiding Conflicts Between Better Results and Passing Results
Depending on how you set the pass levels, you can get a passing result even though
you have not achieved a better result. Suppose the pass levels are 95% and 25 wpm.
You first get 94% and 40 wpm. Then you get 96% and 26 wpm. The last result is a
pass but it is not a “better” result. So, should the new result be regarded as a better
result anyway?
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It would be confusing to say, “You just got a worse result but finally passed the skill
check!” So, UltraKey considers pass criteria before evaluating whether the result is
better. If you get a pass result when previous results have not been passes, UltraKey
considers the result to be better. The program also congratulates you for passing the
skill check.
Now, suppose you passed a skill check before and now get a result that is “better” but
is not a passing result. Like before, it would be confusing to say, “You got a better
result, but you are no longer at a passing level.” If you get a “better result” but it is in
fact a non-passing result, UltraKey does not sacrifice your previous passing result and
withholds any congratulations.
In summary, UltraKey first congratulates you when you pass. It congratulates users
on getting “better” results only after pass criteria have been considered. When you
adjust pass levels and other evaluation criteria, think about the levels at which you
want learners to be reinforced and congratulated.
Report Best or Last Results
UltraKey gives you the option of getting a progress report based on the latest skill
check results or based on the best skill check results. Select Last or Best according to
the data you would like reported.
Passwords
UltraKey may be set to require passwords for user records, to not require passwords or to
have passwords be optional. There are many different views on the use of passwords.
UltraKey leaves it up to you to decide if they are necessary. The general manager and all
class managers always set their own passwords regardless of this option.
WWW Access
For a variety of reasons you may want to disable the WWW connection or you may
be running UltraKey on a system that is not connected to the WWW. This option
enables you to disable or enable the WWW connection for the copy of UltraKey.
If WWW access is available then disabling UltraKey's access will not affect the
management side of UltraKey or any other programs on your system. If a connection
is available it can always be accessed through the General Management or Class
Management. Disabling WWW access in this option only prevents the user from
accessing the on-line keyboarding support center from the WWW button on the
screen. All internal i-button and More button documents will still be accessible.
However, these do not have any external links.
On a Macintosh OS 8.1 system the More and i-button documents are displayed in the default
browser. Disabling WWW access on this system will disable the More and I buttons.
User Access Functions
For a variety of reasons you may want to block students from using the import or
Check Out functions on the File menu. Use the User Access Function option to enable
or disable these functions. Under this option you can also block the resetting of lesson
and Typing Forum results by users.
Saving Option Settings
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UltraKey automatically saves new option settings when you exit the Options dialog
box by clicking the Done button.
The Posture Lesson
Accurate keyboarding requires good posture. The posture module outlines the most
important things to remember about correct body and hand positions. Select Posture
from the main menu or click on the Posture button. Click on the i-button to see
operating instructions. This module presents key posture points using UltraKey’s unique
Interactive Virtual Reality™ technology. Operate the QuickTime VR video by moving
the cursor over the posture model. Click and drag to move her around and see the
model from many view points. As the cursor is moved over the model, hotspots cause
the picture and message on the left side of the screen to change. Click on the arrow
buttons to change the messages and move the model around to different views.
Posture is an excellent device for group instruction. You can access a larger version of
the VR video from the Help menu for a larger presentation.
Figure. Interactive Virtual Reality Screen
Posture also contains a puzzle that helps users remember what they have learned.
For more in-depth information about the reasons for maintaining good posture, click
on the More button in the Posture module or see the Bytes of Learning publication
Sitting Pretty: Safe Posture for Keyboarding and Other Activities.
Page 25
Learning Home Row and the Finger Names
Fingers teaches the names of the fingers and the home row position to prepare students for
keyboarding by touch. Select Fingers from the GoTo menu or click the Fingers button.
The final activity, shown below, provides practice with finger names and the home row
position. The user strikes Enter when he or she has memorized the finger names.
Figure. Fingers ends with practice to memorize finger names.
Learning the Keyboard
The Lessons module contains thirteen instructional units. Each lesson builds on
earlier lessons by presenting new reaches and then combining them with keys already
learned.
Each lesson introduces students to new keys one at a time. Students then exercise the
new keys, practicing with the home row letter and then with other letters that the
students have learned in common letter pairs called chains.
In Lesson 2 and higher, UltraKey provides practice using letter chains, and words or
numbers. As students progress, they encounter sentences. Chains, words and sentences are
composed from the current keys plus keys students have learned in earlier lessons.
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Completing a Lesson
l.
Choose the Lessons button on the controller menu or select Lessons from the GoTo
menu.
2.
Select a lesson from the Lessons menu. A recommended lesson is always highlighted.
To choose that lesson, strike Enter or the space bar.
3.
Now indicate the step at which you wish to start. If you have exited this lesson at
some previous time, the program automatically highlights the next step to be
completed. You may always start with Warm-up if you like.
4.
Follow the instructions at the top of each screen. UltraKey animates each new key
that is introduced.
Each step has several exercises. In each exercise, strike the demonstrated key to proceed.
An audible click is heard as you strike each correct key. A tone sounds on each incorrect
keystroke. UltraKey shows you exactly what to do. The fingers move to introduce a new
key. The fingers also move to indicate the correct key when you pause or mis-strike.
5.
6.
You may leave a lesson at any time by striking the escape key.
7.
When you finish a lesson, you may go on to the next lesson OR you may strike the
escape key to leave Lessons. Click on the controller button to extend the controller
bar and select another module.
Tips for Your Students
Watch the action of the fingers on the screen. Then look at your own fingers during
the first few keystrokes. After that, watch the screen. It is okay to look at your fingers
from time to time as you are learning. However, you should reduce this action as time
goes on.
Take your time. Speed is not important in Lessons. To avoid eye strain, look away
from the screen once in a while.
Lessons can be hard work especially when your muscles are not conditioned for
keyboarding. Stop when you are tired. It is better to have short sessions on a daily
basis (20 to 40 minutes) than it is to have a long session once a week.
Leave the lessons and use a skill check. Use Skill Check after every one or two lessons.
Building Performance with Skill Checks
Skill Check gives students valuable practice, measures their skill, and suggests ways
to improve. It also provides more practice on troublesome chains. Skill Check should
be used after every one or two lessons are completed.
Skill Checks are labeled with a check mark when you pass them. Students should be
encouraged to revisit skill checks periodically to build their skills even when those
skill checks have been previously mastered. If a student does revisit a skill check and
does not reach the minimum level of accuracy, the check disappears. This is not
intended as a penalty but as a signal that skills in the particular area need re-sharpening.
Changing the Challenge Level or the pass settings of the Challenge Level you are
using, resets the pass levels for all previous attempts. This also may cause checks to
disappear. Then the challenge is to improve your performance to get them back.
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Completing a skill check
1.
Choose Skill Check from the GoTo menu or click the Skill Check button.
2.
Make a choice from the Skill Check menu. UltraKey uses material based on the keys
of each Skill Check. The keys are grouped the same way as in Lessons.
3.
Now UltraKey gives you the opportunity to select the passage you would like to type.
There are several passages available for each lesson.
4.
Next, choose a test length. For each regular Skill Check, you may have up to 5
paragraphs. Choose 1, 2 or 3 paragraphs or the Entire passage. You can also select a
timed skill check
5.
Begin keyboarding when you are ready. UltraKey wraps the words as you keyboard
so strike Enter ONLY when you finish each paragraph.
Skill Checks place the student in a realistic typing situation. Cut and paste functions
are not operational during a skill check, but the mouse and keyboard can be used for
simple editing if the Editing option allows it. The program does not penalize for
editing, however, the student loses speed when he or she corrects mistakes.
6.
UltraKey evaluates your keyboarding and determines the locations and types of
errors. Analysis can take time depending on the number of errors you make. If there
are too many errors, the program prompts you to try the passage again. Once analysis
has been completed, results are shown on the screen as a chart. Strike the space bar to
proceed and examine the complete analysis.
6.
The final report screen offers a number of convenient options. You can practice the chains you
had trouble with, or click the forward arrow to return to the Skill Check Menu and take another
skill check. You can also click the back arrow to review your current skill check report.
Reading Copy Aloud
UltraKey can read aloud the whole copy. If you highlight part of the copy and rightclick the highlighted area on a Windows system or click the highlighted area on a
Macintosh, UltraKey reads the selected section.
Skill Check Reports and Printouts
You may choose the Print button on the Skill Check report screen to print a report on
your current skill check performance. You may also print the most recent skill check
report from the Print Report button, located on UltraKey’s button bar.
Tips for Your Students
Once you begin a skill check, keep going. When you make corrections or hesitate,
you lose time.
UltraKey begins timing when you strike your first key and stops when you strike End.
If you are keyboarding more than one paragraph, do not pause between paragraphs.
The timer continues until you end the test or the time runs out.
While you are building skill, you are also conditioning your muscles. Allow yourself
to build strength, speed and skill over a period of time. Steady does it!
Printouts provide useful information. Carefully review them and note the different
errors that you made. Identify at least one thing that you are going to do the next time
you return to the computer so you can improve your keyboarding.
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Don’t compare your results with others. What counts is how well you are doing today
in comparison with what you did last time. Set your own goals, regardless of how
anyone else is doing.
Typing Forum
Typing Forum is a new module in UltraKey 4.0. There are two areas in Typing Forum,
Free Typing and Typing Tests.
Free Typing allows users to type whatever they want for however long they want and
print out their typing. Note that UltraKey does not save free typing work, but you can
print the results.
Typing Tests is similar to Skill Check. You can use this area to do more summative
evaluations and use skill checks for formative evaluation. You may use one of
UltraKey’s typing tests or write your own using the Typing Test editor in General
Management or Class Management. For more information about making skill checks
and typing tests, see Selecting and Creating Skill Checks and Typing Tests.
To take a typing test:
1.
Select Typing Test from the Typing Forum main menu.
2.
Select the test you would like to take from the list. Double-click on the title or click
on the title and click the arrow button or use the arrow keys to highlight the title, then
strike Enter.
3.
Select the duration of test you would like.
4.
Start the test when ready. Strike the End key to end a timed test.
5.
A report of your performance will be displayed.
Tips for You and Your Students
Typing Forum can be used for so much more than just typing tests. Click on the More
button while in the Typing Forum module for some fun activities that you can do to
help build your typing skill. Also see the Bytes of Learning publication How to Teach
Keyboarding for more tips and activities.
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Selecting and Creating Skill Checks and Typing Tests
You can activate and deactivate skill checks or typing tests by using the Skill Check or
Typing Test functions in General Management. You can use these same functions in Class
Management to activate and deactivate skill checks and typing tests for a class.
Create a New skill check
Click in the check box to
activate or deactivate a
skill check.
Duplicate a skill check
Delete a
skill check.
Lesson Level of
skill check
Title of
Skill Check
Edit a skill check.
This displays the
editor.
Update all indexes
button. Click to add all
changes and additions
to other classes.
Print a skill check. This prints the contents of
the selected skill check.
Figure. Skill Check Dialog
(The Typing Test Dialog looks and functions the same)
When you select a skill check or typing test by clicking on its title, you can click Edit
to open the test in the editor. You cannot edit or delete UltraKey’s built-in skill checks
or typing tests, but you can duplicate them and edit the copies.
Refer to the Technical Help Manual for restrictions on custom skill checks and typing
tests. For more information on creating and editing custom skill checks and typing
tests click the i-button while in Class Management or General Management.
Printing Font and Size
Managers may select the font and size for printed test copy. This function is located
on the File menu in the management area.
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Other Ideas for Group Instruction
A host of additional ideas for instruction are found by accessing the More button
found in the Typing Forum. Several special typing activities are located there, all of
which can be immediately used within the Free Typing activity. They can also be used
with a word processing program of your choice.
Training Resources and Classroom Materials
Bytes of Learning has published two books and a video for teachers:
How to Teach Keyboarding is a complete essay full of ideas and instruction for
willing teachers.
A video called How to Teach Keyboarding is a great accompaniment. The video
contains live classroom footage shot in Modesto, California.
Sitting Pretty provides extremely valuable information about posture and the hazards
of repetitive strain injuries.
Bytes of Learning also publishes a series of beautiful posters for your classroom
walls. Visit the Keyboarding Support Center™ for details about these learning
materials and more.
Class Management
When instructing many students in different classes, it is convenient to have them
organized so that the instructor can easily see how each class is progressing at any
given time. UltraKey’s Class Management tools organize student records and make it
easier to customize the program for a group of students without affecting other students
using the program.
In Class Management, a class is a single record that you can update. Creating and
accessing a class is a process similar to creating and accessing a user record. Like a
user record, one class can be open at a time. You can have a number of classes, but
each student can only be a member of one class.
In each class you have a class roster, you can add and remove students from a class,
you can transfer students out of your class, or adopt students into your class. You can
view the individual records of students or you can view class reports that tell you how
your students are doing as a class.
Creating a New Class
To create a new class, start UltraKey and click on the Management button to access
the management area. Then click on the Class Management button. You will see a
screen similar to the user logon screen.
To create a new class, click the New button on this screen. UltraKey will ask you to
type in a name for your class. This class name can be the teacher’s name, but does not
have to be. This name will be displayed when users log on to UltraKey and will
appear on your student’s printouts and class report printouts.
UltraKey asks you to type in a password. You do not have to password protect your
class record. If you select the check box, “Don’t require password” then your record
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will not be password protected. However, the use of passwords for management areas
is strongly recommended.
UltraKey then asks you to finish creating the class record. Your class record will be
saved in a class directory which includes information about your class setup and the
records of the students in your class. All class directories are saved in the central
mananagement directory.
If you have already created a class, open it by double-clicking on the class name or
clicking the class name to select it and then clicking the Open button. UltraKey then
asks you for the class password if one has been set.
The Class Management Screen
When you open your class you will see the class management screen displayed:
Enroll Students: creates new student
records and adds the students to the
roster.
Roster: lists the
students in the class.
Students are listed in
alphabetical order by
last name. Select a
student name, then click
a button. Some class
management functions
are not available when
more than one student is
selected.
Delete Records:
Import 3.0 Records: copies an UltraKey 3.0 record
into a new 4.0 record and adds the student to the roster. permanently
removes a student
record.
Transfer: moves
the selected
student(s) into
General.
Adopt: moves
student(s) from
General into
the class.
Set Level sets the
skill check level
for the selected
students.
Lock/Unlock locks
or unlocks name,
password, or
challenge level for
selected students.
Student Info: shows
or modifies the
selected student’s
name, challenge level
and password.
Open Enrollment Check
Box: a check in the box
means enrollment for the
class is open. Click to
uncheck and close
enrollment.
Save Report: saves
the selected student’s
report to a text file.
Print Report:
prints the selected
student’s report.
Class Options: modifies Skill Checks: creates, edits and Typing Tests: creates, edits
and selects typing tests for
options for the class.
selects skill checks for use by
use by the class.
the class.
View Report:
displays the
selected student’s
Class Reports: displays report and provides
and prints class status
a print button.
reports.
i-button: displays
information about class
management.
This screen shows a list of students in your class called the Roster. It also has buttons
that allow you to access class management functions.
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Enrolling Students in a Class
You can have students enroll themselves in the class by setting the Enrollment option to
do so. On the class management screen you will see a check box with the words “Open
Enrollment” next to it. When the box is checked, enrollment for your class will be open.
When your students use the program, direct them to select the class you have made
before clicking the New button to make a new record. This will create their new
student records in your class. The next time you go to Class Management and open
your class, UltraKey will update your class roster to show the students that have
created records in your class.
Enrolling Students with the Class Managment Enroll Function
You may wish to control the addition of students to your class more carefully. If this
is the case, then you can enter the names of the students into your class ahead of
time. Click the Enroll button on the class management screen to access the class
enrollment function.
Figure. Enroll Students Dialog
Typing in a Class List
Type in the names of the students in your class. Strike enter after each name. Type all
of the names in one of the formats displayed at the bottom of the dialog. You may type
them First Last, First, Last, or Last, First. You may also type in a password after a
comma.
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Pasting a Class List from the Clipboard
If you already have a class list in a word processing document, you can cut and paste into
the enrollment dialog. Copy the list to the clipboard in the word processing document and
use Ctrl-V (Windows) or Command-V (Mac) to paste into the Enroll dialog. Names and
passwords can be in one of three formats:
• First Last, Password
• First, Last, Password
• Last, First, Password
Passwords are optional.
After you have pasted the list into the enrollment box select the layout that matches the
format of the entered names. Click Process to process the names.
Importing a Class List
You may also import the class list from a text file. The file must be a plain ascii text
document with tabs or commas between the name and password fields. This type of
file can be exported from most word processing, database and spreadsheet programs.
To import a class list, click Import and navigate to where the file is located. Select the
text file and click Open. The names in the file will appear in the Enroll dialog. Click
Process to process the names.
Processing names
Regardless of the way names are entered into the enrollment dialog, when you click
Process, each of the names will be varified. If the name and password is not what you
expected you might have selected a layout that does not match. Click Change and revise
the list or change the layout setting. After successful processing the names you have typed
will appear in the roster and a record will be created for each student in the class directory.
This procedure was invented in response to teachers who cited the work required to enter
names in a class list.
When you create a class list in this manner, you can uncheck the Open Enrollment
check box and close the class. This will prevent students from creating a record in
your class that has a name other than one that is on the list.
When your students start UltraKey, they should select your class from the list and
double-click their name on your class list. If no password was set for the student
UltraKey will then ask the student to type in a password, unless you select “No
passwords” in the passwords class option (see Setting options for your class). If a
password has been set, then UltraKey will ask the student to enter the password.
Once your students have records, you will be able to access their student records and
change their password.
Importing UltraKey 3.0 Records
Many teachers using UltraKey 4.0 may have already started their students using
UltraKey 3.0. Although UltraKey 4.0 has many more features and extended lesson
material, you can still import an UltraKey 3.0 into UltraKey 4.0. When you import a
3.0 record, UltraKey copies all of the information that it can use from that file into a
new UltraKey 4.0 record. Information like, lessons completed, skill check levels
passed, and the student’s name stored in the record will be copied. The new record
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will take on the options set for the class and a password will have to be set by the
student when they first start the record or by the class manager.
UltraKey 3.0 records from a Macintosh may only be imported on a Macintosh and
UltraKey 3.0 records from Windows may only be imported on a Windows system.
When you select Import a 3.0 Record you will see a standard Open dialog Navigate to where
the UltraKey 3.0 record is stored and either double click the record in the window or
select it and click Open. UltraKey will confirm that the importing of data has been
completed and will return to the Open dialog, so that you may import another record if
you wish. When you are finished importing all records, click cancel to return to the class
management screen. You should see the name of the imported records listed in the roster.
UltraKey will make every effort to import the name correctly, but if you should wish to
change the name, select the student record and click on the Student Information button.
Users can also import 3.0 records into a class or into General. Because this function gives
a user access to an Open dialog, you may wish to block students from using it. To do this,
uncheck the Import 3.0 Records selection on the User Access Functions option.
Transfering and Adopting Students
If you have been using UltraKey 4.0 for a time without class management, you may have
student records already saved outside of your class, that you wish to add to the class.
When a record is saved outside of a class it is in General. You can “adopt” a student from
General into your class easily by clicking Adopt. When Adopt is clicked, a list of students
in General is displayed. Click on the students’ records you want to adopt and click the
Adopt button. You will then see those records you adopted in the roster.
To move a student from your class to General, select the student or students from the
roster and click Transfer. The selected students will disappear from the roster and be
listed in General.
If you would like to transfer a student from one class to another, open the class the
student is transfering from and transfer them to General. Then open the class they are
being transfered to and use Adopt.
Important Note: If you do not see the student’s record in the General list it might
mean that the management directory on the workstation the student was working on is
not set to the same management directory you are working in. If this is the case, you
will need to set the management directory on that workstation to be the same as on
the other workstations and select merge. This is a General Management task. See the
Technical Help Guide for more information on management directories and how to
change them.
Setting Options for Your Class
A complete list of options is available in the i-documents for Class Management and
earlier in this manual. The Class Options are the same as the General Options except
their settings only apply to the students in your class. You can check the “Allow user
control” check box to allow the students control of an option setting, or uncheck the
box to block student access and lock in your own setting.
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Viewing, Setting and Locking Student Information
Some teachers prefer that the students not be given the freedom to change their record
name, password or challenge level. These settings can be locked for individual students or
all students in the class.
To lock these settings for an individual student, select the student’s name in the roster
and click the Student Info button. The Student Info Dialog shows the current student
information for the selected student record.
Figure. Student Info Dialog
You can change the name, password and challenge level for the student in this dialog.
To lock in your changes so students may not change them, click the “Locked”
checkbox. Click Apply to apply the changes to the record.
To lock the student information settings for multiple students or all of the students in
the class, select the students in the roster and click Lock/Unlock. This dialog allows
you to apply a lock or unlock setting to all of the selected records for user name,
password and challenge level. Locking the challenge level with this dialog will lock
in the students current challenge level setting. To set the challenge level to something
different, click the Set Level button.
Page 36
Setting Challenge Levels for More Than One Student
To set the same challenge level for multiple students, select the student records in the
roster and click Set Level. The Set Level dialog box allows you to select the challenge
level and lock the settings. Click Apply to apply the changes to the selected records.
Figure. Assign Challenge Level
Clearing the Student Lesson Record and the Typing Forum Record
The Set Level , or Assign Challenge Level, dialog features check boxes labeled Reset
Lesson Record and Reset Typing Forum. Checking the Reset Lesson Record box and
applying the setting will erase the completed status of all of the lessons from the selected
students’ records. Checking the Reset Forum Record box and applying the setting will
erase all of the typing test results from the student’s record. This operation cannot be
undone so it is confirmed with an extra confirmation box upon clicking Apply.
Creating, Editing and Selecting Skill Checks and Typing Tests for Your Class
Just like in General Management, in Class Management you can access the Skill
Check and Typing Test Editors. Skill checks and typing tests created in these editors
are stored in a central location, regardless of the class they were created in, and may
be shared between classes.
Each class, however, can have a separate list of active skill checks and typing tests.
Just uncheck the boxes next to the skill checks or typing tests you do not want your
students to use and they will be deactivated for your class alone.
When a new test or skill check is added to the list or the name or level is modified,
UltraKey will require that you update the test or skill check indexes. The index for the
area that you created the skill check or typing test, i.e. the specific class or general
management, is automatically updated. For other classes to have use of the test or
skill check, their indexes must also be updated. To do this, click on the Update Skill Check
Page 37
(or Typing Test) Indexes button. The updating indexes dialog will ask you if you want the
new items made available to the other classes. If you do not update the indexes, you will
be warned that they have not been updated when you click the Done button.
For more information about creating, editing, and selecting skill checks and typing
tests, click the i-button on the class management screen.
Reports on Students and On the Class
There are two different kinds of reports that can be accessed in Class Management,
student reports and class reports.
While in Class Management, select a student’s name in the roster, and click View
Report or Print Report. The report will be the same report that the student sees when
printing or viewing a report in UltraKey. The print dialog and view dialog boxes look
similar to each other. Check the boxes next to the type of reports you would like to
view or print and click the view or print button.
Status reports show you how much of the program your class as a whole has
completed so far. You can view and print a status report by student or by lesson.
Status reports are selected by clicking on the Class Reports button on the class
management screen. Skill Check information in the reports is based on the latest
skill check results for each level or the best skill check results for each level,
depending on the setting of the Report Best or Last Results option.
For more information about Class Management Functions Click on the
i-button in Class Management.
Your Ideas and Comments are Welcome!
Please take a moment to put your thoughts and ideas in writing. Our products and improvements
arise from the constructive comments provided by teachers and other users.
Please contact us at:
Bytes of Learning, 60 Renfrew Drive, Suite 210, Markham, Ontario L3R 0E1
905/947-4646 1-800-465-6428 Fax: 905/475-8650 custservice@bytesoflearning.com
Keyboarding Support Center on-line: www.bytesoflearning.com
or click the www button while in UltraKey. This web site contains more information, tips and
materials for teaching keyboarding.
Page 38

UltraKey Teacher Guide

Transcription

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