Learning to Touch Key -- The FlashKey Method

The first active step in learning to use the number keys is to learn where they are by touch, not by watching your fingers.  This learning mode uses sight, sound, and touch to familiarize your fingers with the keyboard.

TenKey Tutor is set by default to start this session on the tenkey pad.  If you prefer to master the number keys on the QWERTY keyboard first, select Options / Statistical Typing from the main menu now.

How to start

Begin by clicking the checkered flag on the Tool Bar.  This tells TenKey Tutor you are ready to begin a session, and you will see a number begin to flash on the TenKey Tutor keyboard.  To the right of the checkered flag you should see the current time, a Hi Score display, and an Elapsed display.  The Elapsed counter begins when the flag is clicked, but it will reset itself to zero when you strike the key you see flashing.  Striking that first key actually starts your timed session.

You should now follow the flashing keys on the screen and listen to their names to teach your fingers where all the keys are.  (If you are not hearing the spoken numbers, select Options / Audible Feedback.  If you still don't hear them, you probably don't have the appropriate components installed for sound.)  Don't backspace or try to correct an incorrect entry.  Just enter the correct key.  The point here is to learn where the keys are, not produce an accurate printout.

Generally, we recommend starting out with two to five-minute sessions with breaks in between for best results.  If your session is too long or too short, your ending net rate can be distorted.  You can use longer practice sessions later when you are working on speed and have built some stamina in your fingers.

After you have entered 120 keystrokes and reached a speed of at least 30 kpm (keystrokes per minute), math symbols will be introduced into the session.  Most of us need a lot of help with math symbols, but if the data entry you do never uses them, you can turn them off by selecting Options / Include Math Symbols to remove the checkmark.  If you wish to run a calculator efficiently, this option should be left on.  (This option is ON by default.)  When the math symbols are introduced, your speed will drop dramatically while you learn them.  So expect this.

How to Stop

When you are ready to stop a session, simply stop typing.  Your last key determines the actual time of the session.  To let TenKey Tutor know you have stopped for good, click the checkered flag again, or press the [Esc} key.  Your time will have been measured from your first keystroke to your last.

Moving On

When you reach a level of 60 kpm consistently, you should turn the Data Tape on by clicking the blue hyperlink in the Learning Mode Window.  The Data Tape will begin displaying the numbers, and you should start reading the digits from the tape to learn to react instantly to single digits that are provided to you.  Only look back at the flashing keys if you really can't find a key.  When you start reading from the Data Tape, your speed will drop again, but you will build it back up with practice.  

When you reach 60 kpm consistently again, it is time to move on to Learning Mode 4, Drilling for Accuracy.