![]() Timed tests are similar, except that a score of your words per minute (wpm) typing rate and the number of errors are kept track of. The tests beep at you and print your letters in red when you make an error. The cursor helps you figure out when you've reached a space, although the program wants you to learn to type by "feel," not by sight. A cursor may or may not be visible to help you follow the text. Untimed tests put text on the screen for you to type, primarily emphasizing problem areas that have been identified (more on this in a moment). There are basically three types of lessons. Generally, however, the shadow hands aren't very useful, since you're too busy looking at what you are typing to see what the hands do anyway. As you type, the shadow fingers move and strike whichever keys you strike, and the keytops light up. The main screen shows the keyboard and a pair of "shadow" hands poised over the keys. ![]() Then you can either proceed with that lesson or choose something else to do. The lessons are built around a chalkboard, wherein the fictional Mavis suggests a lesson plan and tells you why. Users are split into three categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. This data is then used when producing progress charts. When you add a user, the program requests the user's name and age range (although the ranges seem strange: younger than 8, 8-14, or older than 14). One unique thing about Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is that several people can use it and it tracks the progress and problems of each user. You must first install to produce an "installed" data disk to which you can add users. ![]() You don't run Mavis Beacon from the distribution disk. The program combines graduated exercises with a game to encourage you to increase your typing speed. As a new school year rears its ugly head, START feels that it's high time we reviewed Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, still the best typing tutor available on the ST.
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