Computer Keyboarding (CABT 110A, 110B, 110C)

General Instructions - For all Sections

Click here for Details about Online Sections

Note: Online sections require some attendance on campus; they are not appropriate for 100% remote students.

You must also be able to install program software on your own Windows computer.

 

These classes are self-paced, individualized, and open entry, open exit. There are no regular class meetings. It is up to you to regularly work on the computer and complete the lessons. You will follow a computerized lesson that refers to a textbook.

 

Getting Signed Up for Classes

 

1.      Attend an orientation during the first two weeks of classes. The times are listed in the schedule of classes. If you miss an orientation, contact an instructor. You must sign up by the 12th week of classes. You can get an add code from one of the keyboarding instructors. In Watsonville, contact the Watsonville keyboarding instructor. Instructor names and schedules are posted in the computer lab.

 

2.      Get a User Name and Password from the “accounts lookup” station in the computer lab. Write them down in a safe place and don't let others see them. If you registered late, you will have to wait 24 to 48 hours until your information is in the computer database. You may work in either the Aptos or the Watsonville lab.

 

3.      Purchase the textbook (optional)

  • College Keyboarding by South-Western, Lessons 1-25 (Either 15th Edition, 2002 or 16th Edition, 2006) covers CABT 110A and 110B. Both are available at the Cabrillo Bookstore.

§         121 Timed Writings with Skillbuilding Drills (6th Edition) by South-Western covers 110C.

§         There are also several copies of the texts that you can check out at the CTC front desk or at the Watsonville Center Computer Lab or ILC. You will need a Cabrillo Library Card or Cabrillo ID to do so.

 

4.      You do not need a disk: all your information is stored on the network.

 

5.      Pay for printing costs at the computer lab front desk. You will have to print 6+ pages.

 

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate accurate and efficient entry of alphabetic text by touch.

 

General Performance Requirements

To get credit for the classes, you will have to meet the following requirements:

 

Keyboard by touch (without looking at the keyboard):

 

CABT 110A:   25 words per minute (wpm) with no more than 1 error per minute (epm) in three 2-minute timed writings.

CABT 110B:  30 wpm with no more than 1 epm in 3-minute timed writings.

CABT 110C:  Start with 25 wpm minimum (30 if you have taken CABT 110B) and improve at least 10 wpm with no more than 1 epm in 5 minute timed writings.

 

 

Further Instructions

1.      Follow the handouts for each course. These are available in the CTC or Watsonville lab. These handouts describe what you must do and what to turn in.

2.      Check in with your instructor when you turn in your progress reports. Ask the instructor any time you need help or are confused.

3.      Complete all portions of each lesson, referring to the course instruction handouts and progress sheet.

4.      All work, reports, and final timed writings must be finished BEFORE final week starts.

 

Keyboarding Tips

1.      Start your lessons immediately - don't procrastinate until it's too late. Keyboarding takes time and practice and cannot be forced into a short timeline under high stress.

2.      Practice often each week - at least 2-3 times a week, about 1 to 1.5 hours each time.

3.      Work for accuracy. Speed will improve with practice of the correct techniques.

4.      Repeat lessons until you meet your accuracy goal.

5.      Practice correct posture throughout the course - adjust your chair, text, and screen position as desired.

6.      DO NOT use the BACKSPACE KEY or correct errors as you type (except 110C students).

7.      DO NOT LOOK AT THE KEYBOARD AS YOU TYPE.