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Alphasmart AS 3000 User Manual

Alphasmart as 3000: supplementary guide
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KeyWords SmartApplet
User's Guide
version 3.3

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Summary of Contents for Alphasmart AS 3000

  • Page 1 KeyWords SmartApplet User’s Guide version 3.3...
  • Page 2 AlphaSmart Sales and Technical Support For AlphaSmart sales and technical support contact information, see page 67 or visit the AlphaSmart web site at www.alphasmart.com (United States) www.alphasmart.co.uk (United Kingdom) www.alphasmart.com/international (all other countries) Nothing in this manual may be reproduced in any manner, either wholly or in part, for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from Renaissance Learning, Inc.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1 Introduction ...1 Why use KeyWords? ... 1 How to begin ... 3 Chapter 2 Using KeyWords ...5 Getting started ... 5 Starting KeyWords ... 5 Adding a student ... 6 Beginning lessons ... 8 Learning new keys ... 11 Building accuracy and speed ...
  • Page 4 Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords ... 39 KeyWords options in AlphaSmart Manager 2... 40 Chapter 4 Teacher Preparation and Resources ... 45 Materials for handouts and transparencies ... 45 Keyboarding ergonomics... 48 Sample lesson plan for getting started ... 49 Preparation ...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Welcome to the KeyWords User’s Guide. KeyWords develops basic keyboarding skills using fun and interesting lessons. KeyWords works with Neo and AlphaSmart 3000 devices. (It does not work with the Dana family of products by AlphaSmart.) Complete instructions for installing KeyWords can be found in the...
  • Page 6 Why use KeyWords? KeyWords doesn’t require a computer, except for initial setup; it runs on a portable AlphaSmart device, making it ideal for classroom settings. KeyWords was designed based on research about how people learn to type: • Speed and typing fluency increase more readily if simple words are used and repeated.

  • Page 7: How To Begin

    How to begin How to begin This manual is aimed at two types of users: students using KeyWords to learn to type, and teachers using KeyWords to teach typing. If you’re a student and want to begin using KeyWords, see “Using KeyWords”...
  • Page 8 How to begin KeyWords User’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Chapter 2 Using Keywords

    Tip! While working on the tasks in this section, if you need to go back to the previous screen on the AlphaSmart device, just press . Pressing screen.

  • Page 10: Adding A Student

    When you add a student, the name appears under the Add a student option. Use the down arrow to scroll the names. Press a name and enter the password to begin. Note: An AlphaSmart device can store up to eight students. on/off . The SmartApplets menu appears. to select enter KeyWords User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 To add a student: 1. On the AlphaSmart device, start KeyWords as described on page 5. 2. Select Add a student and press 3. In the screen that appears, type your first name and press (First names can be one to fifteen characters.) 4.

  • Page 12: Beginning Lessons

    Beginning lessons 6. Do one of the following: If you’re the student and want to begin lessons, scroll the list • until you see your name, select it, and press If you’re the teacher and want to add more students, scroll •...
  • Page 13 KeyWords keeps track of your work and marks each lesson (or passage within a lesson) as not started (no mark), partially completed (+), or completed (*), as shown in the illustration below. * indicates that a passage or lesson has been completed Select Lesson or Option: -*A S K L Keys -+D J K Keys...
  • Page 14 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to learn about proper posture, finger placement, and the importance of the home row keys. (Refer to the visual materials on the AlphaSmart Manager 2 CD or in the AlphaSmart Manager 2 download files for additional information.)

  • Page 15: Learning New Keys

    You must press the correct key to proceed. The KeyWords Extras folder on the AlphaSmart Manager 2 CD and in the AlphaSmart Manager 2 download files contains visual materials you may want to consult as you learn new keys. See “Materials for handouts and transparencies”...

  • Page 16: Building Accuracy And Speed

    Each builder section has six practice passages. The following example shows the practice passages for the ASKL keys. (This illustration displays more lines than what you can actually see on an AlphaSmart device’s screen.) Select a passage: - ALL ASK...
  • Page 17 When you complete all the lines in the passage, KeyWords displays the number of errors you made. The number of errors is equal to the number of incorrectly typed words. If you make multiple incorrect key strokes within a single word, it counts as only one error on your score.
  • Page 18 Beginning lessons First, the speed builder shows you a goal of words per minute. Speed builder helps you type faster. Your goal is 8 words per minute. Press [SPACE BAR] to continue. KeyWords challenges you to set your own goal. When the following screen appears, use minimum is four words per minute, and the maximum is ninety- nine.)

  • Page 19: Testing How Well You Learned

    When you’re finished, KeyWords assesses how you did. If you didn’t meet the goal, you see a message like this: Your typing rate was xx words per minute. You need to type xx words per minute or more. Press [SPACE BAR] to continue. If you did meet the goal, you see a message like this instead: Way to go! Your typing rate was 27 words per minute.

  • Page 20: Checking Progress

    Note: You cannot view, print, or send reports directly from KeyWords. To do any of these things, you transfer a KeyWords progress report to AlphaWord on the AlphaSmart device, then view, print, or send AlphaWord. Your Goal Passed...
  • Page 21 To create a progress report: 1. From KeyWords, select your name from the student list and press enter 2. Type your password and press 3. From the Lessons screen, scroll up and select the Display student progress option, then press Save student progress to which file? (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) Press [esc] to exit.
  • Page 22 Checking progress Halison Weydin’s KeyWords Progress Report Lessons listed in the order they were completed. A S K L Keys: New Keys completed. Accuracy and Speed Builder Passages: 1, 4, 6 Accuracy and Speed Builder Test: Your score 40 WPM 7 Errors D J K Keys: Accuracy and Speed Builder Passages:...
  • Page 23 Print the report from AlphaWord (using a cable or IR • beaming to connect directly to a printer) or send it to a computer (using a cable or IR beaming). Both tasks are described in the User’s Guide for the AlphaSmart device. Press clear file •...
  • Page 24 Checking progress KeyWords User’s Guide...

  • Page 25: Options For Teachers

    You can set your own master password using the AlphaSmart Manager 2 application (see the AlphaSmart Manager 2 User’s Guide, which is included as a .pdf file on the AlphaSmart Manager 2 CD or in the AlphaSmart Manager 2 download files).

  • Page 26: Deleting Students

    Deleting students To access teacher options and view students: 1. Turn on the device by pressing 2. Press applets menu. The KeyWords startup screen appears. Select your name or choose to add name: Add a student - Halison Weydin Melissa Charbar 3.
  • Page 27 If you choose to delete the student, when you return to the KeyWords startup screen, the student name will be gone. Note: This is the only way to remove an individual student from a device. AlphaSmart Manager 2 can only remove all students from connected devices. Options for Teachers Deleting students .
  • Page 28 KeyWords startup screen, all student names will be gone. Tip! You can remove all students simultaneously from all devices connected to an AlphaHub by using AlphaSmart Manager 2. See “Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords” on page 39. . The following enter to cancel.

  • Page 29: Home Row Confirmation

    Home row confirmation Because returning your fingers to the home row is such an important concept in touch typing, KeyWords contains an option you can set that requests students press the home row keys ( sequence during lessons. When this option is turned on, the following screen appears at the beginning of each accuracy and speed builder and test: Place your fingers on the Home Row now.

  • Page 30: Correct Shift Key Enforcement

    Correct shift key enforcement This setting is a toggle; repeat these steps to turn the option off. You can also set this option for an entire group of AlphaSmart devices simultaneously using AlphaSmart Manager 2. See “Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords” on page 39 for instructions.

  • Page 31: Teacher-Managed Words Per Minute And Error Goals

    This setting is a toggle; repeat these steps to turn the option on. You can also set this option simultaneously for an entire group of AlphaSmart devices using AlphaSmart Manager 2. See “Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords” on page 39 for instructions. Note: In KeyWords, the lesson (Lesson 10).
  • Page 32 Teacher-managed words per minute and error To set your own goals for words per minute and errors: 1. Start KeyWords and select Teacher options, then type the master password. 2. Use the arrow keys to scroll down the list of options and select Set custom WPM and error goals, then press screen appears.

  • Page 33: Specify One Space Or Two Between Sentences

    6. Press the space bar allowable errors. KeyWords returns you to the Teacher options screen. 7. Press to return to the KeyWords startup screen. Important: Earlier versions of KeyWords let students challenge themselves by setting their own word per minute goals in speed builders.

  • Page 34: Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

    You can also set this option simultaneously for an entire group of AlphaSmart devices using AlphaSmart Manager. See “Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords” on page 39 for instructions. Enhanced reporting capabilities KeyWords gives you a variety of reports. You can choose between three types: •...

  • Page 35: Creating A Student Progress Report

    Student’s error goal Student’s actual errors To create a student progress report: 1. On your AlphaSmart device, start KeyWords, select a student from the list, and press 2. Type the student password or master password. 3. Use the arrow keys to scroll up and select the Student Reports option, then press 4.

  • Page 36: Creating A Last Lesson Report

    Student’s WPM goal Student’s actual WPM To create a last lesson report: 1. On your AlphaSmart device, start KeyWords, select a student from the list, and press 2. Type the student password or master password. 3. Use the arrow keys to scroll up and select the Student Reports option, then press 4.
  • Page 37 Creating a master class report A master class report is a report containing all the last lesson reports of your students. When you send (as opposed to print or transfer to AlphaWord) a last lesson report to an application on your computer, column headers for the fields aren’t included.
  • Page 38 Enhanced reporting capabilities 3. Make sure your cursor or active cell is in the location where you want the first report to start. In this Excel file, the active cell is placed where the text for the report should begin. 4.

  • Page 39: Creating A Group Progress Report

    Creating a group progress report A group progress report displays the same information as a last lesson report, but contains entries for each student using the device. With a last lesson master class report, you can collect information from an entire classroom, and students participate in creating the collective report.

  • Page 40: Using Report Information

    Enhanced reporting capabilities Using report information When you create any of the KeyWords reports, you can do three things with the information: • Print the report from the device directly to a USB or IR-capable printer using a USB cable or IR beaming. •...
  • Page 41 Sending reports You can send KeyWords reports from an AlphaSmart device to your computer using a USB cable. You can send text to any application that accepts text. From there, you can save the report or print it from your computer.
  • Page 42 Saving reports to AlphaWord is also useful if you’re using AlphaSmart Manager 2 and an AlphaHub because you can retrieve multiple AlphaWord files from multiple AlphaSmart devices simultaneously. Once you retrieve them in AlphaSmart Manager 2, you can view, save, or print them from your computer.

  • Page 43: Using Alphasmart Manager 2 With Keywords

    Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords Once you transfer the report to AlphaWord, you can view it on the device, send it to your computer, print it, or use AlphaSmart Manager 2 to retrieve it. Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with...

  • Page 44: Keywords Options In Alphasmart Manager 2

    Renaissance Learning (www.renlearn.com). Complete information about AlphaSmart Manager 2 is described in the AlphaSmart Manager 2 User’s Guide, available in .pdf format on the AlphaSmart Manager 2 CD or in the AlphaSmart Manager 2 download files.
  • Page 45 To set KeyWords options using AlphaSmart Manager 2: 1. On your computer, start AlphaSmart Manager 2. 2. If you plan to connect a single AlphaSmart device using a USB cable, first press the communicate with AlphaSmart Manager 2 2. Skip this step if you plan to connect multiple devices to an AlphaHub.
  • Page 46 Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords 4. Click the Settings tab and select KeyWords in the Settings List. Note: If KeyWords doesn’t appear in the Settings List, it means that one or more of the connected devices doesn’t have KeyWords installed on it yet. If this is the case, click the SmartApplets tab, select KeyWords in the SmartApplets list, then click Add.
  • Page 47 If you want to return the options to their defaults and start over, click the Restore Defaults button. 6. Click the Send List tab and verify that the settings you changed appear in the Send List Display. Options for Teachers Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords...
  • Page 48 Using AlphaSmart Manager 2 with KeyWords 7. Click Send. AlphaSmart Manager 2 sends the settings to the connected device(s). KeyWords User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Teacher Preparation And Resources

    AlphaSmart devices Materials for handouts and transparencies The KeyWords Extras folder on the AlphaSmart Manager 2 CD and in the AlphaSmart Manager 2 download files contains a .pdf file with formatted information you can use to create helpful handouts and transparencies.
  • Page 50 Posture and Wrist Placement Key Strike Finger Zones Home Row Keys Use these masters while working with KeyWords on an AlphaSmart device: Description of master This master shows a drawing of a student seated properly with good wrist and hand position. Use it to...
  • Page 51 This is the same information kept by the AlphaSmart device in the students’ records. This master contains additional practice exercises for each lesson.

  • Page 52: Keyboarding Ergonomics

    Keyboarding ergonomics Keyboarding ergonomics Teaching students about proper posture and physical setup can help them prevent health problems caused by typing. Keep the following tips for wrists and hands in mind: • Keep wrists aligned, straight, and level. (See the illustrations below.) •...

  • Page 53: Sample Lesson Plan For Getting Started

    • Position devices so that light does not reflect off the screen. Light reflecting off the screen can cause eyestrain and frustration. Sample lesson plan for getting started This sample lesson plan teaches basic keyboarding information. You should present this lesson to students at the beginning of keyboarding instruction.
  • Page 54 1. Use the Posture and Wrist Placement overhead transparency to show the correct typing posture and wrist placement. Have students sit at their desks with their AlphaSmart devices and demonstrate the correct posture and wrist placement. Monitor students, helping them make needed adjustments.
  • Page 55 Sample lesson plan for getting started 7. Review the basics of sitting properly, using correct wrist placement, striking the keys, and always returning to the home row keys. Teacher Preparation and Resources...
  • Page 56 Sample lesson plan for getting started KeyWords User’s Guide...

  • Page 57: Appendix A Lessons Information

    This appendix lists the lessons provided in KeyWords. It shows the keys introduced, the words and word patterns learned, and the passing criteria for testing. Lesson 1: Start Here! Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lesson 2: ASKL Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria...
  • Page 58 Lesson 3: DJF Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lesson 4: TH Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria D J F salad jasks 10 WPM 12 errors flat that flash hash sash hall tall salt half 12 WPM 12 errors fall flask...
  • Page 59 Lesson 5: GO Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lessons Information look shook sold fold soot tooth goat load ghost stood flood 14 WPM 10 errors took hook shag shot told gold soft aloft stool fool toast toad float soak good hood...
  • Page 60 Lesson 6: EI Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria seal geese goose these solid gate skate kite ashes slide silk high tight seaside steak shoes headlight 16 WPM 10 errors flea eagle feel feed loose lose lake fake jade like flashes glide...
  • Page 61 Lesson 7: PR Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lessons Information stop slop fear pear deer free fled tried large dark lark shrill thrill dope girl radishes reddish apples pillar fairies prettiest sorriest refrigerator 16 WPM 10 errors shop flop hear dear...
  • Page 62 Lesson 8: QU Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria hour four shout soup gush flush trust pure suds quiet quake quail quarter quip squirt said heartful 16 WPM 8 errors pour flour loud house hush just judge fudge three quit quilt quote...
  • Page 63 Lesson 9: WY Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lesson 10: Z? Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lessons Information play playful whole flowers pillow washed yaks write laws hurry story urry 18 WPM 8 errors zipper zigzag sizzle gazes drizzle...
  • Page 64 Lesson 11: X. Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lesson 12: C, Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria expert explode express relax apex explore paradox exasperate 18 WPM 8 errors face circles sticky chick peck cupcake cheetahs quack call could carrot...
  • Page 65 Lesson 13: MV Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lessons Information love dove grove give arrive very avoid caramel muddy scratch pimples pilgrim shrimp might church 22 WPM 8 errors glove move five thrive alive swerve wave comics slime rimful whim limp...
  • Page 66 Lesson 14: NB Keys introduced Words learned Patterns Passing criteria Lesson 15: " ' ! Keys introduced Passing criteria Lesson 16: Numbers Keys introduced Passing criteria wobbles singing beach brown balloons blossom subway caution extinction 22 WPM 8 errors " ' ! 14 WPM 8 errors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0...

  • Page 67: Frequently Asked Questions

    Appendix B Frequently Asked Questions This appendix lists common questions about KeyWords. Why can’t I use the backspace key when using KeyWords? Backspace is disabled because keyboarding research shows that students need to learn the patterns of keystrokes uninterrupted by immediate corrections.
  • Page 68 The content of the passages is based on word list analysis. High frequency words that help develop reading and writing vocabulary and spelling skills were chosen for the practice material. KeyWords maximizes kinesthetic and linguistic patterns, which is why it is the most efficient and enjoyable way to learn to touch-type.
  • Page 69 What is the rationale for how the practice passages are sequenced? Practice passages adhere to two important principles: • Patterned words are repeated enough times to build up a rhythm and fluency that then transfers to typing the word within a phrase or sentence where it is not repeated.
  • Page 70 KeyWords User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Appendix C Contact Information

    The AlphaSmart web site is a good source of information about products, sales, support, community forums, and latest news. Visit the AlphaSmart web site at www.alphasmart.com (United States) www.alphasmart.co.uk (United Kingdom) www.alphasmart.com/international (all other countries) If you can’t find the information you’re looking for on the web site, use the contact information listed in this appendix.
  • Page 72 Phone: 0870 120 0718 Email: UK-help@alphasmart.com www.alphasmart.co.uk/support www.alphasmart.co.uk/ordering (This url also provides a list of resellers and AlphaSmart contacts.) Phone: +44 870 120 0718 Email: UK-help@alphasmart.com www.alphasmart.eu/support Select your country or region. www.alphasmart.com/international (This URL also provides a list of resellers and AlphaSmart contacts.)

  • Page 73: Index

    Symbols * completed lessons 9 + partially completed lessons 9 accessing teacher options 21 accuracy builders 12 adding students 6 AlphaSmart Manager 39 creating reports 39 AlphaWord file passwords 17 transferring reports to 16 assessing errors 16 backspace key, disabled 63...
  • Page 74 Home row confirmation 25, 41 Resetting WPM and error goals 40 Set custom error goals 40 Set custom WPM goals 40 setting with AlphaSmart Manager 39 shift key reinforcement 26, 41 spacing between sentences 29, 41 teacher 21 passing criteria 15, 53...
  • Page 75 26, 41 Renaissance Place 39 reports creating in AlphaSmart Manager 2 39 group progress report 35 information 36 last lesson report 32 master class report 33 printing 36 sending 37 student last lesson report 30 student progress report 30, 31 teacher’s group progress report 30...
  • Page 76 KeyWords User’s Guide...

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