Ann White

Keyboarding for Kindergarten

As children are learning their letters, they can also learn recognition of those letters on the keyboard and learn what hand is used to input those letters.

Ann White

Introduction Concept (why and what)

User Definition (who)

Quality Assurance and User Testing

Ann White

Concept 5 year olds can develop logical search strategies

for locating individual keys1

Keyboarding is simply another method for communicating their ideas.

[1] Rosengrant, T. (1985). Using the microcomputer as a tool to read and write.

Journal of Learning Disabilities, 18, pp 113-115

Ann White

Goals Recognize the letters on the keyboard and use the correct hand to strike the key. Engage children in learning

Ann White

Possible Solutions

Ann White

Objectives Make the learning effective, fun and appropriate

for this age group.

– What is available for this concept?– What is age appropriate?– What makes learning effective?

Ann White

User Research Target Audience: 5 year old children Can copy simple geometric patterns Know colors Beginning to learn to print letters Can differentiate between fantasy and reality Can spend ½ hour on computer but will spend

more time if having fun

Ann White

Feature Value Analysis What features are needed and how they should

operate to ensure an enjoyable and effective learning session?

– Easily learned icons (recognition)– Large and consistent icons

Ann White

Feature Value Research Offer different levels of difficulty Use audio and visual aids to offer help. After initial guidance, children should be able

to operate the software essentially on their own.

Printing should be possible.

childrenandcomputers.comSelecting Developmentally Appropriate Software

Ann White

The Practice Process

Ann White

Mastery Items (Letters) are generated randomly (shuffle) 6 letters are released at a time 2 correct answers on first try = Mastery

the item (letter) will not reappear in this level When all items have been mastered, the level

has been completed

Ann White

Iterative Testing Quality Assurance - The Nitty Gritty

PlatformsAlgorithm ChecksButtonsNavigation, Animation timingPrint, SoundAre the Letters the Correct Colors?

Quality Assurance Evaluation Plan pdf 100kb

Ann White

MORE Iterative Testing User Testing – Adults and Children

Formal and Informal Observation

Day Care Centers

Cobb County Public Schools

Hearing ImpairedColor Deficiency http://colorfilter.wickline.org/

User Test Plan pdf 178kb

Ann White

Future Features Student personalization Save state to return to the game Random animations – keep it exciting Retrieve data to use it in a meaningful manner Add more difficulty levels Flash cards and learning sheets Other related activities – Swat Board

Ann White

Let’s Play! Keyseeker.org