Center for Accessible Technology
Community SubscriberLearning to type efficiently is a first important step in becoming a proficient computer user. We have a strong belief that learning to keyboard requires the presence of a strong, positive teacher, and should be delivered in a concentrated time frame. Our Keyboarding classes teach beginning keyboarders how to move from hunt and peck typing to coordinated touch typing. Classes are for 4th to 12th graders, disabled and non-disabled. Our July session starting July 11 still has opening in the 9AM class, the 3:30 PM class and the 5 PM class. Visit www.cforat.org for more information or call (510)841-3224
I'll second Center for Accessible Technology. As far as I know, they're the only ones in the East Bay who offer keyboarding classes. They're a nonprofit that focus on technology access for people with disabilities and many of the kids in the classes have dyslexia, or ADD. My daughter took the class a couple years ago as a rising 5th grader and she is a pretty proficient typist.
I don't have a tutor for you, but just want to pass on two things in case you (or somebody else reading this) didn't know about them. First, although we didn't end up sending our dyslexic child there, the Center for Accessible Technology in Berkeley has keyboarding classes aimed specifically at kids (http://www.cforat.org/services/keyboarding_classes). That's farther than you might want to travel, although it is right next to the Ashby BART station, if that makes a difference. It's possible they might know about some tutors for you.
The other thing is that we tried several computer typing programs at home, but they all had too many fast-moving words zipping across the screen for my dyslexic child. Finally we found something that worked called the Herzog keyboarding program. It's not actually a computer program -- it's paper-based, which had its own challenges, but eventually we figured out a way to set things up that worked, and my child learned how to type. You may have already tried this one, and/or your child may need the structure provided by a tutor (which my child definitely needed in several other areas), in which case of course disregard this!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Keyboarding Class for middle school student
Nov 2012
There is nothing recent in the files on keyboarding classes for students in middle school. Typing software hasn't been a great solution for my child. I'm looking for a class where he can learn ''touch typing'' in Berkeley. Thank you. knowing how to type is important
My kids took the keyboarding class at the Center for Accessible Technology in Berkeley. They both took it in the summer. I'm not sure if they offer it during the school year, but they might be able to refer you to a class if you can't wait until summer. Typing's crucial!
The Center for Accessible Technology offers keyboarding classes for children with disabilities (including learning disabilities). The classes are for students grades 4 - 12. Classes include 8 one-hour sessions at a total cost of $300. Classes will run from January 28th through February 12, 2013 from 4:30 - 5:30. You may call 510 841-3224 or visit our website (www.cforat.org) to get more information and download a registration form. Click on the link for ''Direct Service'' and then go to the page for ''Keyboarding.'' sm
Jan 2007
RE: Local summer keyboarding classes for 6th grader
Try the Center for Accessible Technology at 2547 8th Street in Berkeley: http://www.cforat.org/children/keyboarding.html My 14 year old son and 12 year old daughter both attended the program after school last spring. Both continue to use the skills they learned there; I often waited in an adjacent area, and know first hand that the instructor and 2-3 additional volunteers provided a very warm, supportive and engaging atmosphere. webmom
The Center for Accessible Technology is a great place to learn keyboarding. See http://www.cforat.org/.. Letitia
April 2005
RE: Seeking tutor to help son with keyboarding
You might try the Center for Accessible Technology. They don't have tutoring, but offer some summer classes in both keyboarding and computer literacy. The computer literacy class is designed for students that struggle with writing due to learning disabilities. For information, check the website www.cforat.org/children/keyboarding.html Diane
March 2005
RE: Learn-to-type program for teen?
can't recommend a computer program per se -- so far as I've seen Mavis B is about as good as you get. But there are alternatives (to quote the venerable Obi-Wan Kenobi.) Both of our boys had great success learning to type in short-term classes offered by the Center for Accessible Technology in West Berkeley during the summer. But sign up now because space is limited.
The classes are very useful even if your kid has already picked up some of the rudiments of the QWERTY keyboard. I can't explain their teaching system (the ''Herzog method'') other than to say that it is multisensory and that it works well. (Far less drudgery, and more effective, than learning on a manual typewriter in summer school, as I did in the 60's.)
Although their primary focus is on helping kids with learning and other disabilities to acquire these skills, the classes are open to all (or were a few years ago, anyway.) Here's the link to their website's keyboarding page: http://www.cforat.org/children/keyboarding.html CAT is reasonably priced (to suit all parts of the commnity.) Both of our kids picked up what they needed in something between two weeks and a month one summer, and have been keyboard monsters ever since.
A final note: It's remarkable to see what participation in various kinds of online fora (e.g., on computer games like World of Warcraft, etc. etc.) will do both for typing speed and, surprisingly enough, for composition and grammar, especially if the kid wants to use good grammar and write well. Interest is all, I guess. Go figure! Tim
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