Learn the 10-finger system with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Encore Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 18 by Encore Windows Vista / XP, Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard $15.99 Typing Instructor for Kids Platinum 5 by Individual Software Windows Vista / 8 / 10 / 7 $18.99 Customers who viewed this item also viewed Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1. Designed to enable children to discover the fundamentals of typing for themselves, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing! For Kids takes place at the title character's grandparents' house, which is out in the country and surrounded by a forest. Mavis' dog Dizzy is also along for the journey. Designed to enable children to discover the fundamentals of typing for themselves, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing! For Kids takes place at the title character's grandparents' house, which is out in the country and surrounded by a forest. Mavis' dog Dizzy is also along for the journey.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is a popular tutor designed to teach people how to type faster on the keyboard. It was released by Software Toolworks in 1987 (now Broderbund) and has been updated regularly to add more features and lessons. Mavis Beacon Typing can help adults, children and students to master the art of touch typing quickly and efficiently.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Concept
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is dedicated to physical keyboard users. It includes several features such as customized lessons, progress reports, speed tests, typing games, dictation practice, and more.
The main goal of this typing software is to help people break those bad typing habits they have acquired over the years. And, even if you know your way around a keyboard, Mavis Beacon can still teach you things about accuracy and speed.
Highlights
- Teaches the 10-finger typing system
- Reduces bad typing habits
- Allows to create customized lessons
- Improves speed and accuracy through drills and tests
- Can be implemented in educational institutions and homes
- Supports Windows and Mac
- Certificate of Achievement upon completion of tests
Mavis Beacon Typing – Features
Instructions – Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing delivers an effective and comprehensive training module with a steady and gradual approach to its instruction that guides the users through every phase of the program.
Ergonomics – There is a strong emphasis on the ergonomics to make sure correct finger positioning and posture so you can avoid recurring back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, strain injury, and a host of other ailments.
Posture – Mavis Beacon will remind users to sit properly before starting any typing, and includes guidelines to take a stretch break at certain times. This is important to reduce the risk of developing poor keyboard skills that might be hard to overcome again.
Reduce Bad Habits – Particularly adults waste lots of hours poking at the keyboard because they are not trained to use it efficiently. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing aims to help reduce those bad typing habits. This tutor specifically works on building correct muscle memory and teaches the basic life skill of 10-finger typing.
Techniques – Mavis Beacon is the Betty Crocker of Keyboards. If you are firmly the hunt-and-peck kind of typist but require starting churning out papers or writing in large quantity, then Mavis Bacon is a must. Mavis Beacon defines the genre of instruction software and it will teach you proper techniques.
Easy Configuration – Using Mavis Beacon is a snap: when you install it, you can choose your preferred language (ex: English, Spanish). Click ‘Yes' or ‘No' and sign in to the registration screen and provide information about your age, speed goals, and keyboard layout (i.e. whether it is a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or a Standard 101 Key Model).
Drills – Next, you will move to the Classroom, where you come across Mavis Beacon (a fictional character after whom this program is named) standing next to the video screen. You need to click the PC icon on the right side of Mavis to start your typing lessons, which start basically with a typing test.
Which drills you need depend on that first test you take and after every drill, Mavis Beacon Typing will display your rate of words per minute and motivate you by saying things like – Look out world, here comes a great typist.
Games – Once you have completed a few drills, Mavis Beacon Typing will suggest you take a break from the tests and play typing games like: Review of hazel for mac.
- Shark Attack – where you have to correctly type words for example ‘electroencephalograph' to save yourself from being eaten by a shark
- Chameleon Picnic – where random letters and signs march on the backs of ants across the screen. When you strike the right key, the chameleon slurps the ant carrying that particular letter with its tongue.
Persistent Personal Coach – The developers have improved the program's personal coach applet where you can refine your typing while working on other projects in applications like the Word Processor or any other. Whenever you feel the need to use Coach, simply right-click the Mavis icon it will call up the thermometer-like icon that determines typing speed in words per minute.
On the other hand, you can also display the virtual keyboard with transparent hands on your computer screen that types in conjunction with you, showing you the right finger positions. Users can also use the Coach to schedule their everyday typing lessons, load common documents and other templates of book reports into their word processor or any other app, or insert clip art or emoticons into their documents.
Custom Lessons and Ergo Advice – The developers have topped up Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing with information on typing ergonomics. In the software's media center, users can evaluate their typing habits and get advice on their posture from Bob (another human-like virtual character who looks more like a crash-test dummy).
The users can watch videos regarding recognizing cumulative trauma disorders, exercises you can do to alleviate the strain due to bad posture, and instructions about setting up the workstation.
Moreover, the software's media center lets you create customized lesson plans as per their requirements and also provide a practice area where they can retype the works of historical documents, folklore, fiction, and astronomy. These features of Mavis Beacon Typing ensure that the user remains engaged to its user interface and work on their typing skills.
Engaging Multimedia – Well, it is not the most stylishly executed program but it ensures that the user remains engaged to its contents especially the kids. The cartoony user interface keeps the kids engaged and allows them to learn while having fun. The games are quite exciting and thrilling that make sure that the user is totally occupied with its content. Moreover, the background music is catchy that is available in new age, rock, jazz, and blues. On the other hand, the tutorials and other videos are pretty decent and helpful.
Mavis Beacon Typing 2020 – 3 Versions
The tutor currently offers three versions for the users that are designed according to the requirements of users of all age group (8-88). The versions of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing include:
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Personal Edition
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Family Edition
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Kids Edition
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Personal Edition
Mavis Beacon's Personal Edition is powered by Ultrakey that is composed after the collaborative efforts of several specialists like professional technologists, curriculum specialists, educational designers, and practicing educators who helped in creating a program that is aimed at strain-free and effective learning.
The Personal Edition is tailored to individual needs, intended for those who have had some experience with keyboard typing or the beginners. It is good for the beginners as Mavis offers straightforward explanations and introductions of various typing modules and skills and allows the user to practice what they have learned so that they can build up their confidence.
What's in the Version?
The platform offers the most efficient approach to learning and mastering keyboard typing fundamentals.
- Improved user-friendly interface
- 100+ typing tests and skill checks
- Monitor your progress
- Learn to type on an individual level
- 12 updated video illustrations
- Celebrate achievements, set personal goals
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Family Edition
Unlike the Personal Edition, the Family Edition includes three license-installs that allow it to be used on three different PCs. Moreover, the Family Edition of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing allows you to manage up to eight users.
The integrated Parent Guide and Family Management Tool ensure multiple users are using the platform at the same time. As the name suggests, the Family Edition is designed for the whole family.
The tutor uses a success-based approach to typing instruction. Thereby Mavis offers a motivating and powerful way to learn typing for kids and parents with a clear path to learning new skills.
What's in the Version?
Mavis Beacon Family is something that the entire family can make use of. It has been exclusively tailored to suit certain age groups.
- Learn good posture habits
- Learn new keys
- Personalize your program
- Follow the step-by-step guide to achieve positive results within 8 hours
- 18 updated video illustrations
- Practice excellent typing
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Kids Edition
As the name suggests, Mavis Beacon Kidz Edition is specifically designed for children between 8-12 age group. However, this criteria should not be seen as a strict limitation as the tests and games are quite robust that even adults can use it.
What makes this version different from the previous versions is that the platform has a strong emphasis on games and other engaging activities that makes typing fun and engaging for children. The program is designed to build children's motivation to learn how to type. Kidz Edition is light and doesn't put stress on kids regarding the tests and other activities.
What's in the Version?
Mavis Beacon Kidz features additions projected to help kids learn how to type faster without any error.
- Teaches the 10 finger system.
- Boost muscle memory of kids
- 250+ keyboarding lessons
- Printable awards
- A detailed map of the curriculum
- Customizable music section
Mavis Beacon – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Effective exercises
- Customizable goals and classes
- Efficacy and user-friendliness
- Three versions for different individual requirements
- Outperforms other software regarding the number of games, performance, and activities
Cons
- The Program is limited to certain number of installs
- Limited Multimedia and no cookie
- Personal Edition is not suitable for Multiple users
Alternatives
Probably the most known tutors that will compete with Mavis Beacon Typing for new students and customers are Typesy, KAZ and Ultrakey. They are all up to date and have their very own characteristics.
Typesy offers expert video training, excellent tracking and hundreds of activities. KAZ is known for its 'we will teach you the keyboard in 90 minutes' approach. And, Ultrakey provides the technology actually built into Mavis.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 2020 – Review Verdict
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is amongst one of the best educational software available on the market and comes with three different versions for people of all age groups. What makes this tutor stand out from the crowd is the systematic approach it follows for practicing keys and merging them to form words and sentences.
As a bottom line, it, therefore, doesn't matter whether you are a beginner or know your way around keyboard typing, Mavis Beacon can effectively help you polish and master the art of 10-finger typing.
Have you tried one of the versions of Mavis Beacon Typing 2020? If so, please let us know your opinion in the comments below.
Master Typing with Mavis Beacon – Success-based teaching sessions
In the past, if you were able to type fast, people would often look at you funny and think of you as someone who spends too much time in front of a PC. However, things have changed, and now, if you are able to type at speeds of over 80 words per minute, without looking at the keyboard, you will see that people look at you with admiration.
Most people now understand the amount of work needed to reach that level of typing. They are trying their best to reach such a high level too, often using educational software. The following is a review of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing that offers customizable and educational training instructions for everyone.
Mavis Beacon – Overview
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing still offers a unique option: customizable training. Unlike many other popular typing software, Mavis Beacon allows users to create a customized training plan that focuses on the areas where they need the most help.
Besides this, options present in Typesy or KAZ are also present here. Things such as goal setting, adaptive learning, and games, make an appearance here as well.
Review Summary |
---|
Success-based teaching instructions. GameZone. Videos tutorials. Family & Kids Versions. Mac OS | Windows. |
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Versions & Features
Mavis Beacon is available in three different versions, all of them powered by Ultrakey v2. Each version makes provision for the unique needs of different target groups. They were designed by professional educational experts, using a success-based approach.
Progress is made step-by-step, with constant feedback and positive reinforcement. You set your own goals and achieve them one by one. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is suitable for users from age eight and upwards.
1. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Personal Edition
This version is meant for a single user. It can be used with Windows or Mac operating systems. You can get the program as a download version or in DVD format. The software can be used on only one specific computer.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing believes that you will make significant progress in just 8 hours of training and practice. In order to achieve this, they follow a seven-step approach:
Set your personal goals – The success-based approach in Mavis Beacon requires you to actively pursue very specific goals. You will, therefore, start off your training by setting the level of achievement regarding speed and accuracy that you wish to attain. Once you have defined your goals, you can create a personalized training program that will guide you towards the achievement of those goals. You can even make changes to your training as you go along.
Learn good posture habits – You will be surprised to learn just how many people frequently suffer from sprains, back pain and aches related to long periods at a keyboard. It is therefore important to learn how to maintain a proper posture and how to place the hands accurately.
Practice your technique – Each lesson in Mavis Beacon uses video and interactive graphics to teach you how to touch type. Initially, the focus is on learning the finger names and the placement of the fingers on the home row. There is a total of 12 videos that provide clear and easy-to-understand instructions.
Learn new keys one stage at a time – A step-by-step approach is followed whereby you are gradually introduced to new keystrokes. You will also progress from typing single characters to pairs, to chains and then to words and complete sentences. Students quickly progress from studied, conscious keystrokes to a fluid style where they no longer consider each individual keystroke.
Build your skill by using it – Each lesson is concluded with a skills assessment in order to ensure that you are ready for the next step. Each assessment session is followed by comprehensive feedback and suggestions on those areas that may need some additional work.
Practice excellent typing – As you progress, you can use numerous tests and the Game Zone to practice and increase your skills. The importance of drills and practicing when learning to touch type cannot be overemphasized and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing certainly does not skimp in this regard.
Celebrate your success – You will find that you have made definite progress with each lesson and each exercise. This will help to motivate you as you tackle the next challenge.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing boasts some unique features:
1. Self-paced. You decide how fast or how long you wish to train. You can repeat lessons at any time and you can take on the drills and exercises as many times as you want. You will always receive feedback after each exercise or drill.
2. User friendly. Mavis Beacon boasts an intuitive user interface that will ensure that you are never at a loss. You can make numerous changes to the interface to make provision for your personal preferences, age and learning style. There are 12 interface themes to choose from and each theme can be adapted separately.
3. Numerous skill checks. More than a hindered different skill checks will make sure that you have mastered your goals and that you are ready to move on. There are also numerous tests that can be used to hone your skills and techniques. Boxshot ultimate 5 0 8 ft.
4. Six fun games. Younger users will especially enjoy the interactive games (Game Zone) that are specifically designed to help them practice newly acquired skills. Alvin and the chipmunks the squeakquel cast.
5. Support. The Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing website has an entire page dedicated to supporting on all issues related to the program. There is an extensive FAQ section where you most probably will find the answer to your question. Alternatively, you can enter your query on the website and they will get back to you as quick as they can.
2. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Family Subscription
This version of Mavis Beacon offers the same teaching approach and it boasts the same features as the Personal Edition, with three notable exceptions:
Three Licenses – Regardless of whether you download the software or purchase it in DVD format, you can install the program on three different computers. Each installation can support only one user.
Management Tools – Family subscriptions include a management function that allows parents administer all the user accounts. You can manage up to eight different accounts, making this version ideal for those conducting homeschooling. It also comes with a parent guide.
Add Your Own Content – You can add additional content (up to 10 000 keystrokes) to create additional exercises. This is an excellent feature when users need to master terminology unique to a specific subject or field of study.
3. Mavis Beacon Keyboarding Kidz (Desktop Version)
Mavis Beacon for Kids is primarily aimed at younger users that wants to learn how to touch type or that simply want to improve their keyboard skills. It features two fun characters, Mavis and Dex.
They man a concession stand, but they struggle to cope. They need your help, but you will have to learn all the keys on the keyboard before you can do so. As you learn the keys, Mavis and Dex are there to help you along.
Here are the main features: 3d house plan drawing online.
- More than 250 short keyboard lessons
- More than 200 practice topics
- 10 Fun games
- A detailed curriculum map
- Comprehensive progress tracking by individual keys
- Awards that can be printed
Mavis Beacon – What else? Good to Know
Software Extras
The only extra that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing provides, is the customizable training plan. However, that is a very important extra, as it allows any user to tailor the program to specific needs. Weak points can easily be addressed this way, as users can add the exact exercises they want to work on, to a specific training program, and then start working on that without fear of getting sidetracked with other exercises.
Hardware
No hardware compatibility issues have been reported so far with Mavis Beacon Typing, but this does not mean that they do not exist. It is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7 and Macs as well, so whatever you have at home seems to be fine for this software. Unfortunately, there is no support for Linux systems yet.
Mavis Beacon Support
Support seems still to be a weak point with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, as there is no customized technical support via phone being offered by the producing company. There is a hotline on the website that can be used for pre-sales questions.
However, advanced users on forums are usually able to answer any question that is not answered in the FAQ.
User Opinions
C. Giguere has this to say: 'I thought it was a fairly good product. It was easy and fun to use.'
A. Stein has this to say: 'I recommend it as long as you're willing to take your own responsibility in the ‘thinking' part.'
Mavis Beacon – Pros and Cons
Pro: Reputable Vendor. Mavis Beacon has been around for more than 30 years and they have won many awards over this time. Many thousands of people have used this software and have learned to touch type. This is a testimony to the effectiveness of this training software in itself.
Pro: Solid Educational Design. The teaching method used is success-based and all the principles of modern educational design have been used properly. Media is used sensibly and it is easy to follow the flow of training. Constant feedback helps to keep students motivated and the step-by-step approach ensures that students will never feel as if they are not making progress.
Con: Not suitable for multiple users. Perhaps the biggest drawback is the fact that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is not truly suitable for use by companies or schools. This is purely due to the fact that managers or teachers cannot coordinate more than eight users.
Con: Single Computer Installation. It is a pity that registered users can use this software on only one dedicated computer. This means that learning can take place only at a single location and only at a specific computer. This may be a serious drawback for people that want to learn whenever and wherever they have the time. Simple image resizer.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Review Verdict
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing For Kids Download
Despite all the pros and cons mentioned in this review, keep in mind that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing does offer the interesting and unique option of customizing a training program to suit your needs! This makes it perfect for those with problems in specific areas, looking to improve one area at a time.
Persistent Personal Coach – The developers have improved the program's personal coach applet where you can refine your typing while working on other projects in applications like the Word Processor or any other. Whenever you feel the need to use Coach, simply right-click the Mavis icon it will call up the thermometer-like icon that determines typing speed in words per minute.
On the other hand, you can also display the virtual keyboard with transparent hands on your computer screen that types in conjunction with you, showing you the right finger positions. Users can also use the Coach to schedule their everyday typing lessons, load common documents and other templates of book reports into their word processor or any other app, or insert clip art or emoticons into their documents.
Custom Lessons and Ergo Advice – The developers have topped up Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing with information on typing ergonomics. In the software's media center, users can evaluate their typing habits and get advice on their posture from Bob (another human-like virtual character who looks more like a crash-test dummy).
The users can watch videos regarding recognizing cumulative trauma disorders, exercises you can do to alleviate the strain due to bad posture, and instructions about setting up the workstation.
Moreover, the software's media center lets you create customized lesson plans as per their requirements and also provide a practice area where they can retype the works of historical documents, folklore, fiction, and astronomy. These features of Mavis Beacon Typing ensure that the user remains engaged to its user interface and work on their typing skills.
Engaging Multimedia – Well, it is not the most stylishly executed program but it ensures that the user remains engaged to its contents especially the kids. The cartoony user interface keeps the kids engaged and allows them to learn while having fun. The games are quite exciting and thrilling that make sure that the user is totally occupied with its content. Moreover, the background music is catchy that is available in new age, rock, jazz, and blues. On the other hand, the tutorials and other videos are pretty decent and helpful.
Mavis Beacon Typing 2020 – 3 Versions
The tutor currently offers three versions for the users that are designed according to the requirements of users of all age group (8-88). The versions of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing include:
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Personal Edition
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Family Edition
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Kids Edition
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Personal Edition
Mavis Beacon's Personal Edition is powered by Ultrakey that is composed after the collaborative efforts of several specialists like professional technologists, curriculum specialists, educational designers, and practicing educators who helped in creating a program that is aimed at strain-free and effective learning.
The Personal Edition is tailored to individual needs, intended for those who have had some experience with keyboard typing or the beginners. It is good for the beginners as Mavis offers straightforward explanations and introductions of various typing modules and skills and allows the user to practice what they have learned so that they can build up their confidence.
What's in the Version?
The platform offers the most efficient approach to learning and mastering keyboard typing fundamentals.
- Improved user-friendly interface
- 100+ typing tests and skill checks
- Monitor your progress
- Learn to type on an individual level
- 12 updated video illustrations
- Celebrate achievements, set personal goals
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Family Edition
Unlike the Personal Edition, the Family Edition includes three license-installs that allow it to be used on three different PCs. Moreover, the Family Edition of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing allows you to manage up to eight users.
The integrated Parent Guide and Family Management Tool ensure multiple users are using the platform at the same time. As the name suggests, the Family Edition is designed for the whole family.
The tutor uses a success-based approach to typing instruction. Thereby Mavis offers a motivating and powerful way to learn typing for kids and parents with a clear path to learning new skills.
What's in the Version?
Mavis Beacon Family is something that the entire family can make use of. It has been exclusively tailored to suit certain age groups.
- Learn good posture habits
- Learn new keys
- Personalize your program
- Follow the step-by-step guide to achieve positive results within 8 hours
- 18 updated video illustrations
- Practice excellent typing
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Kids Edition
As the name suggests, Mavis Beacon Kidz Edition is specifically designed for children between 8-12 age group. However, this criteria should not be seen as a strict limitation as the tests and games are quite robust that even adults can use it.
What makes this version different from the previous versions is that the platform has a strong emphasis on games and other engaging activities that makes typing fun and engaging for children. The program is designed to build children's motivation to learn how to type. Kidz Edition is light and doesn't put stress on kids regarding the tests and other activities.
What's in the Version?
Mavis Beacon Kidz features additions projected to help kids learn how to type faster without any error.
- Teaches the 10 finger system.
- Boost muscle memory of kids
- 250+ keyboarding lessons
- Printable awards
- A detailed map of the curriculum
- Customizable music section
Mavis Beacon – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Effective exercises
- Customizable goals and classes
- Efficacy and user-friendliness
- Three versions for different individual requirements
- Outperforms other software regarding the number of games, performance, and activities
Cons
- The Program is limited to certain number of installs
- Limited Multimedia and no cookie
- Personal Edition is not suitable for Multiple users
Alternatives
Probably the most known tutors that will compete with Mavis Beacon Typing for new students and customers are Typesy, KAZ and Ultrakey. They are all up to date and have their very own characteristics.
Typesy offers expert video training, excellent tracking and hundreds of activities. KAZ is known for its 'we will teach you the keyboard in 90 minutes' approach. And, Ultrakey provides the technology actually built into Mavis.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 2020 – Review Verdict
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is amongst one of the best educational software available on the market and comes with three different versions for people of all age groups. What makes this tutor stand out from the crowd is the systematic approach it follows for practicing keys and merging them to form words and sentences.
As a bottom line, it, therefore, doesn't matter whether you are a beginner or know your way around keyboard typing, Mavis Beacon can effectively help you polish and master the art of 10-finger typing.
Have you tried one of the versions of Mavis Beacon Typing 2020? If so, please let us know your opinion in the comments below.
Master Typing with Mavis Beacon – Success-based teaching sessions
In the past, if you were able to type fast, people would often look at you funny and think of you as someone who spends too much time in front of a PC. However, things have changed, and now, if you are able to type at speeds of over 80 words per minute, without looking at the keyboard, you will see that people look at you with admiration.
Most people now understand the amount of work needed to reach that level of typing. They are trying their best to reach such a high level too, often using educational software. The following is a review of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing that offers customizable and educational training instructions for everyone.
Mavis Beacon – Overview
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing still offers a unique option: customizable training. Unlike many other popular typing software, Mavis Beacon allows users to create a customized training plan that focuses on the areas where they need the most help.
Besides this, options present in Typesy or KAZ are also present here. Things such as goal setting, adaptive learning, and games, make an appearance here as well.
Review Summary |
---|
Success-based teaching instructions. GameZone. Videos tutorials. Family & Kids Versions. Mac OS | Windows. |
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Versions & Features
Mavis Beacon is available in three different versions, all of them powered by Ultrakey v2. Each version makes provision for the unique needs of different target groups. They were designed by professional educational experts, using a success-based approach.
Progress is made step-by-step, with constant feedback and positive reinforcement. You set your own goals and achieve them one by one. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is suitable for users from age eight and upwards.
1. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Personal Edition
This version is meant for a single user. It can be used with Windows or Mac operating systems. You can get the program as a download version or in DVD format. The software can be used on only one specific computer.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing believes that you will make significant progress in just 8 hours of training and practice. In order to achieve this, they follow a seven-step approach:
Set your personal goals – The success-based approach in Mavis Beacon requires you to actively pursue very specific goals. You will, therefore, start off your training by setting the level of achievement regarding speed and accuracy that you wish to attain. Once you have defined your goals, you can create a personalized training program that will guide you towards the achievement of those goals. You can even make changes to your training as you go along.
Learn good posture habits – You will be surprised to learn just how many people frequently suffer from sprains, back pain and aches related to long periods at a keyboard. It is therefore important to learn how to maintain a proper posture and how to place the hands accurately.
Practice your technique – Each lesson in Mavis Beacon uses video and interactive graphics to teach you how to touch type. Initially, the focus is on learning the finger names and the placement of the fingers on the home row. There is a total of 12 videos that provide clear and easy-to-understand instructions.
Learn new keys one stage at a time – A step-by-step approach is followed whereby you are gradually introduced to new keystrokes. You will also progress from typing single characters to pairs, to chains and then to words and complete sentences. Students quickly progress from studied, conscious keystrokes to a fluid style where they no longer consider each individual keystroke.
Build your skill by using it – Each lesson is concluded with a skills assessment in order to ensure that you are ready for the next step. Each assessment session is followed by comprehensive feedback and suggestions on those areas that may need some additional work.
Practice excellent typing – As you progress, you can use numerous tests and the Game Zone to practice and increase your skills. The importance of drills and practicing when learning to touch type cannot be overemphasized and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing certainly does not skimp in this regard.
Celebrate your success – You will find that you have made definite progress with each lesson and each exercise. This will help to motivate you as you tackle the next challenge.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing boasts some unique features:
1. Self-paced. You decide how fast or how long you wish to train. You can repeat lessons at any time and you can take on the drills and exercises as many times as you want. You will always receive feedback after each exercise or drill.
2. User friendly. Mavis Beacon boasts an intuitive user interface that will ensure that you are never at a loss. You can make numerous changes to the interface to make provision for your personal preferences, age and learning style. There are 12 interface themes to choose from and each theme can be adapted separately.
3. Numerous skill checks. More than a hindered different skill checks will make sure that you have mastered your goals and that you are ready to move on. There are also numerous tests that can be used to hone your skills and techniques. Boxshot ultimate 5 0 8 ft.
4. Six fun games. Younger users will especially enjoy the interactive games (Game Zone) that are specifically designed to help them practice newly acquired skills. Alvin and the chipmunks the squeakquel cast.
5. Support. The Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing website has an entire page dedicated to supporting on all issues related to the program. There is an extensive FAQ section where you most probably will find the answer to your question. Alternatively, you can enter your query on the website and they will get back to you as quick as they can.
2. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Family Subscription
This version of Mavis Beacon offers the same teaching approach and it boasts the same features as the Personal Edition, with three notable exceptions:
Three Licenses – Regardless of whether you download the software or purchase it in DVD format, you can install the program on three different computers. Each installation can support only one user.
Management Tools – Family subscriptions include a management function that allows parents administer all the user accounts. You can manage up to eight different accounts, making this version ideal for those conducting homeschooling. It also comes with a parent guide.
Add Your Own Content – You can add additional content (up to 10 000 keystrokes) to create additional exercises. This is an excellent feature when users need to master terminology unique to a specific subject or field of study.
3. Mavis Beacon Keyboarding Kidz (Desktop Version)
Mavis Beacon for Kids is primarily aimed at younger users that wants to learn how to touch type or that simply want to improve their keyboard skills. It features two fun characters, Mavis and Dex.
They man a concession stand, but they struggle to cope. They need your help, but you will have to learn all the keys on the keyboard before you can do so. As you learn the keys, Mavis and Dex are there to help you along.
Here are the main features: 3d house plan drawing online.
- More than 250 short keyboard lessons
- More than 200 practice topics
- 10 Fun games
- A detailed curriculum map
- Comprehensive progress tracking by individual keys
- Awards that can be printed
Mavis Beacon – What else? Good to Know
Software Extras
The only extra that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing provides, is the customizable training plan. However, that is a very important extra, as it allows any user to tailor the program to specific needs. Weak points can easily be addressed this way, as users can add the exact exercises they want to work on, to a specific training program, and then start working on that without fear of getting sidetracked with other exercises.
Hardware
No hardware compatibility issues have been reported so far with Mavis Beacon Typing, but this does not mean that they do not exist. It is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7 and Macs as well, so whatever you have at home seems to be fine for this software. Unfortunately, there is no support for Linux systems yet.
Mavis Beacon Support
Support seems still to be a weak point with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, as there is no customized technical support via phone being offered by the producing company. There is a hotline on the website that can be used for pre-sales questions.
However, advanced users on forums are usually able to answer any question that is not answered in the FAQ.
User Opinions
C. Giguere has this to say: 'I thought it was a fairly good product. It was easy and fun to use.'
A. Stein has this to say: 'I recommend it as long as you're willing to take your own responsibility in the ‘thinking' part.'
Mavis Beacon – Pros and Cons
Pro: Reputable Vendor. Mavis Beacon has been around for more than 30 years and they have won many awards over this time. Many thousands of people have used this software and have learned to touch type. This is a testimony to the effectiveness of this training software in itself.
Pro: Solid Educational Design. The teaching method used is success-based and all the principles of modern educational design have been used properly. Media is used sensibly and it is easy to follow the flow of training. Constant feedback helps to keep students motivated and the step-by-step approach ensures that students will never feel as if they are not making progress.
Con: Not suitable for multiple users. Perhaps the biggest drawback is the fact that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is not truly suitable for use by companies or schools. This is purely due to the fact that managers or teachers cannot coordinate more than eight users.
Con: Single Computer Installation. It is a pity that registered users can use this software on only one dedicated computer. This means that learning can take place only at a single location and only at a specific computer. This may be a serious drawback for people that want to learn whenever and wherever they have the time. Simple image resizer.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing – Review Verdict
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing For Kids Download
Despite all the pros and cons mentioned in this review, keep in mind that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing does offer the interesting and unique option of customizing a training program to suit your needs! This makes it perfect for those with problems in specific areas, looking to improve one area at a time.
Over the years there has been made a lot of improvements as well, with new Mavis Beacon versions coming up. The software has also become an alternative option for kids and children learning.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing For Kids Free Download
Furthermore, keep in mind that support for Mavis Beacon Typing is still not extremely fast, and it does not come via telephone, so if you think support will be needed constantly, it is probably best to look at other options.
If you don't think you'll be needing a lot of extra support, and if you're looking forward to seeing your colleagues at working staring at your fingers as you type at blazing speeds, then it's time to get to work. Start practicing often and hard, and you will not be disappointed with the results.
Further reading:Typing Characters | Half QWERTY Keyboards
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing For Kids Download
Website:View website.
Have you tried Mavis Beacon Typing? Please share this review and your opinion in the comments below?