Alphasmart AS 3000 User Manual 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.
Why do the students learn the ASKL keys first?
Two design principles distinguish KeyWords from all other
keyboarding programs: the application of kinesthetic (tactile,
sensory) patterning and the application of linguistic (language)
patterns in all skill-building activities.
When students are learning the home row keys in the first lesson,
they type as. Students are typing enough on the left side of the
home row keys to ensure that their fingers are where they belong.
Students are also using two fingers that are next to each other to
press two keys that are next to each other in a left-to-right motion;
this is a kinesthetic pattern. The action results in a word, as, which is
also part of many other words, like fast; so as is also a linguistic
pattern. Learning the kinesthetic pattern generates a linguistic
pattern.
On the right side of the home row keys, there are no little words to
teach. However, if a student types as on the left side and then adds a
k, the student has typed ask: All flowing left to right—a kinesthetic
pattern—and all forming a word—a linguistic pattern. Similarly, by
typing all, the student is introduced to the second right side home
row letter in a fully patterned manner.
Students learn the ASKL keys first because these letters are part of
the home row and they can be combined to form words. When new
letters are added, they are incorporated within kinesthetic and
linguistic patterns. Such patterning makes learning to touch-type
very efficient and enjoyable.
64 KeyWords User's Guide