Typing: An Endangered Skill

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Keyboards are not a thing of the past. Before the advent of computers, knowing how to use a typewriter was such an essential skill that schools dedicated a whole subject to typing on a physical keyboard. During these classes, methods to type quickly and correctly were taught, students filled pages with words for typing practice, and their skills were tested by covering their keyboards so they couldn’t see where each letter was, among other activities.

As part of the younger Millennial generation, instead of having classes exclusively dedicated to typing, my computer class in early elementary school taught us how to type correctly through didactic games (which I found very fun). Additionally, several of us had the opportunity to practice this skill more at home on the family computer, chatting via instant messaging with our friends. However, this is already a distant memory. The reality for Generation Z is different; surprisingly, their familiarity with keyboards is not as close as the previous cohort.

A previous article by Nohemí Vilchis that talked about the myth of digital natives explains the origin of this concept that has been used indiscriminately to describe the most current generations, discussing that being born in an era of technological advances does not translate into people with innate abilities in their use. A report by Georgia Wells for the Wall Street Journal affirms that young people’s typing skills have declined over the past 25 years, with the U.S. Department of Education reporting that in 2000, 44% of high school graduates completed typing courses. In contrast, in 2019, the number dropped to an alarming 2.5%.

Before, computers were the only devices for families that could efficiently connect to the Internet (excluding some cell phones); however, for new generations, there are multiple devices: smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, video game consoles, laptops, desktop computers, etc. According to a study by IBM, 75% of Gen Z said their device of choice is the smartphone.

Why are they choosing this beyond communication and portability? In addition to the fact that young people are not taught how to use a keyboard in their schools, newer generations are used to using their thumbs on their cell phones to write. The use of cell phones is so frequent, even in the educational field, that Canva reported in the Wall Street Journal that 39% of students submit their activities through their mobile devices. Notably, as mentioned in Georgia Wells’s article, the pandemic caused many students to perform their assignments through their cell phones in the absence of a computer; they became used to carrying out their activities using the digital keyboard on their screens. “We have two generations experiencing the teaching, and the learning, in a very different way. That’s alarming to me,” says Melissa Loble, Academic Director of Instructure. The writing habits of these generations are very different, which can cause friction in both academic and labor areas.

While the typing speed on a physical keyboard and cell phones are similar (because newer generations can type very quickly on their devices), it does not mean that typing on their cell phone is as effective. With a good technique, a person typing with all their fingers without looking at the keys over time can express ideas almost simultaneously as they think them, composing a text or code fluently and efficiently. This is due to the muscle memory people develop through time and consistent practice.

However, those without these abilities must not only worry about expressing themselves correctly but also look at their keyboards multiple times to type carefully, sometimes using one or two fingers to find the correct letters (a technique called hunt and peck). Thus, they reduce their productivity and, occasionally, affect their academic performance.

While newer generations usually type faster on their cell phones, the keyboard on a smartphone is different from a computer keyboard. When typing on a smartphone, the letters are on the same screen, and most commonly, both thumbs are used. While helpful in correcting spelling and typos, the features available on mobile device software, such as autocorrect and text predictor, also affect spelling skills and accuracy when writing and can generate technological dependence.

The lack of physical keyboard instruction is troubling as it deprives young people of a valuable skill that can serve their academic and work lives. Many people are unaware that there are courses to improve typing efficiency. The harm is that observing someone typing fast could lead to the assumption that it is due to constant practice. That is partly true, but it also takes courses and learning techniques that must be practiced continuously.

Beyond academics, computers remain an essential tool in the work environment, so it is very important for students to leverage both software and hardware optimally. It is worth mentioning that it’s always possible to learn something new. Thanks to the Internet’s vastness, many online resources offer typing courses, small tests to measure typing speed, and games to practice.

Curiously, skills previously considered essential have become “special” competencies, such as critical thinking and typing. For some institutions, educational priorities have changed, and it may be that the concept of “digital natives” has played a role in this. However, young people must continue to be taught to use technologies and skills efficiently to boost their development and productivity, especially in the academic and professional fields.

Translated by Daniel Wetta