Showing 29 results
December 2, 2017
"Type on me!"
So with each class, the kids complete a stage. Sometimes I have them repeat the stage so that they increase their familiarity with the letters.
Since there is no log in, I write on the board what level and stage each class needs to work on so that they can start right away.
When the kids mistype, the character says "type on me" and the keyboard on the screen will flash with the correct key that the student should be pressing. Sometimes because they think it's funny, they purposefully mistype to hear that. But on the flipside, hearing that repeatedly can also frustrate them.
Quick tip for teachers who have student screens freeze up in the middle because of mistyping or taking the headphones off for a minute and bumping the keyboard, I tell my students to take the mouse and click on the screen where the keyboard is and it usually lets them continue typing from where they left off.
I'm not sure if anyone else is having the issue but often the screen freezes in the middle of the song and there's no workaround for that and the student has to start the stage over.
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December 2, 2017
Fun for Little Fingers
I recommend using this tool in the classroom. It is a fun way for students to learn how to keyboard. Classroom teachers with access to a cart can utilize this tool to expose their students to the foundation necessary for keyboarding mastery. Students enjoyed the Billy Goat and his voice which helped sustain their level of engagement. Be sure your computer has Flash Player installed as it is required to run Dance Mat Typing.
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October 18, 2016
Groovin' and Typin'
I think this is a great tool for students of all academic levels and provides much needed keyboarding skills to a generation of one-finger-swipers! I would love the option for students to login and return to the level they completed at a previous session. Overall, great tool and useful for grades 3-5 in my computer lab.
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September 20, 2015
Rock 'n Roll for the Keyboard.. Self-paced typing game for elementary kids to learn how to type, the RIGHT way!
I love this tool for students in elementary school who have to learn how to type. Since typing as a formal content area is not taught in my school, and instructional time is extremely limited, it was really helpful to incorporate this as a center. I like that it is self-paced and guided. The program talks to the students and shows them visually with pictures and animations how to set up their fingers correctly and type. It has fun music and games throughout, formal lessons and instructions, and each lesson is followed by interactive activities and practice. Each level progresses in the correct way that allows for students to feel successful throughout the program. The only upgrade would be for the teacher or students to keep a chart or a record of where they are since the program doesn't save their progress. The other problem is ensuring students don't skip ahead since the lessons must be completed in sequential order. Overall it is a fun, engaging, free, easy way for students to learn a vital 21st century life skill!
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1 person found this helpful.
March 25, 2015
Dance Mat only makes me want to tap my feet
As a teaching tool I think this is a good entry level typing program that is free and web based. It would be nice if students were able to switch to "normal" characters for the different student populations.
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September 20, 2014
My homeroom and ELD classes really enjoy this as an introduction to keyboarding and correct keyboard hand placement.
In my opinion, this product is a good introduction to keyboarding due to its high engagement, for smaller kids. With kindergartners, first, second and third graders it's been a hit at our site. However, it is a keyboarding site- I had no expectations for more than that and that's all I got.
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August 6, 2014
Child-friendly, free of charge, animated tool for independently learning typing skills - best for grade 2
DanceMat Typing is a great, free tool for introducing typing skills to 2nd graders. It would be great if students could create accounts that a teacher account could monitor. I would just like to make sure that students are moving through the lessons sequentially, without skipping any. The accounts would also help students to know which lesson they last completed. I ended up having to make a checklist to track the lesson that each student was on. They would often come and ask me for this information because they didn't remember. Accounts would also allow students to print a certificate at a later time/date, without having to do the lesson all over again during their next visit to the lab. Having the ability to set up classes and monitor them would allow me to see students progress. If I could simply see which lessons students have the most difficulty with, I could make recommendations for which they should practice. I agree with Graphite's review that students could benefit from having a choice or more than one learning activity to practice a particular lesson. I do have students who lost interest and may have had continued motivation if there was more than one option for each lesson. Overall, however, I would recommend this tool to other educators and families. Students can access it for free from home which allows them to continue practicing a vital skill that will help them create digitally throughout their educational lives and in their careers beyond school.
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July 31, 2014
Excellent Typing Program!
I prefer TypingClub and TypingWeb, because you can create logins and save progress, but Dance Mat is the best non-login typing program.
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July 1, 2014
Typing Practice for Young Learners With Attractive Animations and Sounds
No customization, no data tracking and no assessment tools make this a great tool for keyboard beginners, not so much for advanced as there is no accountability.
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May 19, 2014
An entertaining and free place to get students started with formal typing.
Can be entertaining but some students will lose interest. I would recommend it as one of a few typing practice sites in your toolbox. Should be noted that like most keyboarding practice tools like this, teacher observation and reinforcement are critical for success. If the students are doing it independently or at home, integrity on the student's part is required (i.e. they could move through the whole program hunting and pecking - never really developing their skills).
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