People used to only be able to use a notepad and pencil to write letters that were sent through the mail. It usually took a couple of days to a few weeks to receive those letters. In today's world, though, people can send an email or text message in a matter of seconds to their family and friends. However, this can only be done if the person sending the message knows how to use a keyboard. A keyboard contains all of the letters of the alphabet, numbers, symbols, and even commands that allow the user to write understandable messages. The ability to communicate using a keyboard is known as typing. Typing is one of the most valuable skills a person can learn, especially at a young age. In fact, it is very important to learn how to type to succeed in today's world. Take advantage of all of the useful resources listed below to begin your keyboarding journey today. Lessons: Lesson 1: Home Row, Left Hand: Learn about about the left-handed home row keys. Lesson #2: Right Hand, Home Row: Learn about the right-hand keys in the home row on your keyboard. Introduction: Learn to Type: Sit back and relax as the Big Brown Bear teaches you how to type. (Requires Flash). E-Learning for Kids: Keyboarding Modules: Choose from 25 different modules to start learning how to use your keyboard today. (Requires Flash). QWERTY Keyboard: Learn about typing basics using the QWERTY keyboard. (YouTube). Home Row Lesson Plan: Test your ability to master the home row keys with this lesson plan. Keyboard Practice: Use this interactive tutorial to learn basic keyboarding skills. Typing Lessons for Kids: Netrover teaches kids basic typing skills using an interactive lesson plan. Typing Web Tutor: Learn everything from correct finger placement to mastering the number pad using these typing lessons. Keyboard Tutorial for QWERTY Beginners: Kids can complete this entire tutorial to become a keyboarding whiz. Learn How to Touch-Type: Learn the basics of touch-typing, including proper sitting posture, finger placement, keyboard setup, and ways to improve speed. Typing Course for Kids: Kids can learn the keyboard with this easy-to-use typing course. Typing Tutorial: Use this typing tutorial to learn everything you need to know about keyboarding. (YouTube). Basic Keyboarding (PDF): A document teaches you basic keyboarding skills, including proper positioning and finger placement. Dance Mat Typing: Meet the gang and learn basic keyboarding skills with Dance Mat Typing! Games: Type for Gold: Master your typing skills while playing for the gold in this interactive game. Keyboard Climber: Use your keyboarding skills to help the monkey get to the top fast. (Requires Flash). Horse Racing Typing: Type out the word as fast as you can to win the horse race. (Requires Flash). Keyphant: Key in the right letters and watch the circus elephant perform crazy tricks. Typing Race: Type the letters to keep your car in the race. Keyman: Earn the highest amount of points while avoiding the ghosts in this typing version of Pac-Man. Balloon Typing Game: Type the correct letters to pop the balloons before the reach the top. (Requires Flash). Nitro Type Racing Game: Win first place against other racers practicing their typing skills. QWERTY Warriors: Type the words and hit Enter to kill your enemies. (Requires Flash). Spellerz: Type the words on the spacecraft to destroy it. Cup Stacking: Stack and unstack the cups by typing the characters on them. Falling ABCs: Type the falling alphabet before the letters hit the water. Key Seeker: Type the letters to see some cool pictures. The Typing of the Ghosts Game: Destroy the ghosts by typing the words on them. (Requires Flash). Positioning: Finger Placement Chart (PDF): Use this finger placement chart to correctly type on a standard QWERTY keyboard. Basic Keyboarding: Positioning: A document teaches the proper way to sit and rest your wrists when keyboarding. 7 Proper Keyboarding Techniques: Follow these seven basic keyboarding techniques to type more effectively. Proper Keyboarding Techniques: Use this chart to properly position your body and fingers before typing. Proper Keyboarding Posture: Sitting in the proper keyboarding posture can help improve your typing skills. Tests: Learn2Type: Typing Test: Measure your typing speed and accuracy using this free test. Typing Speed Test: Take the typing speed test and find out how fast your fingers moved across the keyboard in one minute. Free Online Typing Test: Find out how fast and accurately you can type with this free online test. Typing Speed Test: Practice your keyboarding skills with this typing speed test. MAPCON CMMS Software: MAPCON: Maintenance Management System Software. MAPCON: Mobile CMMS for Smartphones & Tablets.