Teaching Tips for One–handed Keyboarding

Environment: Try to make the environment on the one-handed the same as created for the two-handed students.  The one-handed student can use the same desk, the same lighting.

Workstation Set-up: The only difference for the one-handed student is that the keyboard must offset to the side of the student's body.  This may require a larger table top than for two-handed student.

Posture: The one-handed student has the keyboard centered in front of the shoulder of the strong hand.  This has the body in a much more natural position.  Often a "Posture Lecture" is a great time to openly discuss the difference in the human body, and what needs to be done to accommodate anyone's body.  These kinds of open class discussions may be help everyone to overcome feeling awkward.

Speed and Accuracy: In the first six lessons the student must accurately follow the drills in the Lerdeaux Keyboarding Program.  Most one-handed students are a bit more excited to learn keyboarding than their two-handed students; thus, they may learn home base keys faster than two-handed students.  Be sure to stress that accuracy is more important than speed.  Speed will come naturally as correct finger-keystrokes become automatic.

Re-Key a Lesson: After the student has completed the first six lessons, using the correct finger should be automatic.  If the student still has to look at he keyboard when striking a particular key, re-key the appropriate lessons for the use of the correct finger-keystroke.

Making Allowances: Treat one-handed students just as one treats the other students if there are no cognitive problems.  Make no allowances for their "handicap".  Include them naturally in examples and discussions.  For instance, use a two-handed student and a one-handed student as visual aid to give the "Body Posture Lecture".