Computer Basics and Digital Literacy
Start from zero: learn what a computer is, how its parts work, how to use it with confidence, and how to stay safe and healthy while you do.
- 18 lessons
- 3 h 18 min
- Certificate
Computer basics - Beginner
Typing and Keyboard Skills
Learn to type with all ten fingers, build speed and accuracy, use keyboard shortcuts, and meet the typing standards employers expect.
About this course
Typing is the skill behind almost every computer task: writing emails, filling forms, doing homework, applying for jobs and entering data. Most beginners type with one or two fingers while staring at the keys. With the right method, anyone can learn to type faster, with fewer mistakes and less tiredness.
This course teaches touch typing, which means typing without looking at the keys, in short steps. You will learn the layout of the keyboard, the correct finger positions, how to practise every day, how to measure your speed, and how to use shortcuts that save time.
There is no software to install. Each lesson gives you practice text and a clear plan you can follow on any computer, laptop or phone.
What you will learn
- Sit and place your hands correctly to type comfortably and avoid strain
- Name the main keys and groups of keys on a keyboard
- Type the home, top and bottom rows with the correct fingers
- Type capital letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation without looking down
- Measure your typing speed in words per minute and your accuracy
- Follow a four-week practice plan to improve steadily
- Use the most useful keyboard shortcuts in Windows and Mac
- Write clear messages, enter data accurately and prepare for a typing test at work
Course content
5 modules · 16 lessons · 3 h 56 min · 6 quizzes
Module 1: Foundations
Why typing matters, how to sit, and how the keyboard is organised.
- Why typing matters, and how to sit 10 min
- The keyboard layout 14 min
- Home row and finger placement 14 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 2: Learning the rows
The top row, the bottom row, capitals, numbers, symbols and punctuation, and how to practise.
- The top row and the bottom row 16 min
- Capitals, numbers, symbols and punctuation 16 min
- How to practise: a written practice plan 14 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 3: Speed and accuracy
Measure words per minute and accuracy, build rhythm, fix error patterns and follow a four-week plan.
- Measuring speed and accuracy 14 min
- Rhythm, error patterns and warm-ups 14 min
- Practice tools and a four-week plan 14 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 4: Keyboard shortcuts and productivity
Everyday shortcuts, Windows key tricks, moving through text quickly, special characters, phone typing and voice typing.
- The essential keyboard shortcuts 16 min
- Windows key shortcuts and moving through text 16 min
- Special characters, phone typing and voice typing 14 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 5: Typing at work
Professional writing, data entry, copy typing, typing tests, formatting, proofreading and avoiding strain, with a final practice test.
- Writing emails and messages professionally 14 min
- Data entry, copy typing and typing tests 16 min
- Formatting, proofreading and avoiding strain 14 min
- Final practice test: put it all together 20 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Final exam
29 questions. Pass with 70% or more to earn your certificate.
What you need
- A computer or laptop with a keyboard (a smartphone helps for one lesson)
- No experience needed
Further reading
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