Typing Tutor Platinum

Copyright: KBkids.com 1999

Typing Tutor has recently been upgraded. Some of the changes are minor, but the addition of a new teaching method is a major change for the program. The Platinum Edition comes with an extra CD containing 1001 letter templates for all occasions. The box also comes complete with a three-volume desk reference containing a dictionary, thesaurus and book of commonly misspelled words.

Typing Tutor now comes with two methods for learning to type. If you are already an experienced typist, you can check in to the regular lesson module. Here you will not see much difference from previous versions. The emphasis here is on speed and accuracy development rather than learning the keyboard. You will be typing real words, and real sentences. As before, you can learn to type on a QWERTY or Dvorak keyboard, or work on your ten-key skills. The bookshelf contains selections from real literature and history that can be used for typing practice. This version also contains dictation typing. The practice included here for dictation typing is valuable. Only the newest Mavis Beacon 9.0 includes a dication module. You can even watch video clips about the selections you are typing. For example, a video clip of the Eiffel Tower runs next to the selection about the Eiffel Tower. This movie clip runs only when you finish your typing exercise. Typing Tutor and the new Platinum Edition keep very good user statistics. This is helpful if you are seriously striving toward a typing goal.

For new typists, the new CETM (Conceptual Effects Typing Method) is a new approach to typing instruction. Other programs start your instruction with the home row, and spread from there. Typing Tutor 7 also includes this traditional home row approach. The CETM module included will teach you one finger at a time. You will learn all of the letters assigned to the right little finger first, then the left little finger, right ring finger and so on. This is a very different approach and may feel odd to some who have learned the other way. Once you have gone through the ten lessons which are twenty minutes each, you should then sign in to the regular Typing Tutor Lesson Module.

Although you will be taught one finger at a time, the first 'warm-up' lesson contains all of the fingers repeated in sequence. This may be a bit much for young typists to swallow. Remind your children that this is only a warm-up, and the next lesson will concentrate on one finger only.

This program is most appropriate for older children and adults. Younger children will find the instruction rather fast, and the reading selections far above their interest level and reading ability. This program is particularly good for the typist who likes to type whole words at one time. Some typist concentrate on the individual letters, while others tend to type complete words. This program utilizes complete word typing much better than other programs. Don't purchase this program for it's included games, however. The three arcade games included are rather mediocre, and don't compare to those found in Mavis Beacon, and other programs.

Bottom Line: A good typing program for older children and adults. The new finger by finger approach is revolutionary, but still moves rather quickly for younger students.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 3

FunFactor: 2 1/2

EasePlease: 3

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