Alphanumeric keys and how to identify them

These are keys of all the alphabets (a – z) and numbers (0 – 9).

The alphanumeric keys also include symbols at the upper part of the number row such as exclamation mark (!), at (@), ampersand (&) etc.

Identification of Alphanumeric Keys

Here, learners are to properly identify all the alphanumeric keys. The keys are to be shown to the learners by the teacher.

Correct Finger Placement on Alphanumeric Keys

For fingers to use on alphabets, refer to the previous lesson i.e week 6 on keyboard rows particularly the areas highlighted in yellow colour above. For the numeric keys, the 1st finger on the left hand side will press key ‘‘4’’, the 2nd finger will press key ‘‘3’’, the 3rd finger will press key ‘‘2’’, while the 4th finger which is the little finger will press key ‘‘1’’. For the right hand side, the 1st finger will press key ‘‘7’’, the 2nd finger will press key ‘‘8’’, the 3rd finger will press key ‘‘9’’, while the 4th finger which is the little finger will press key ‘‘0’’. For key ‘‘5’’, the 1st finger on the left hand is used to press it and for key ‘‘6’’, the 1st finger on the right hand side is used to press it. Note that “asdf and ;lkj” are called home keys. First of all, master the keyboard to know the positions of the keys, and then type without looking at the keyboard but the copy.

Soft Touch Manipulation of Alphanumeric Keys

After placing the fingers on the home keys, the fingers should move softly to touch/strike any of the alphanumeric keys and manipulate document to type. The soft touch is very important so as to avoid key jam.