A surprising trend has emerged among Gen Z students, often considered digital natives. Despite their familiarity with technology, they are struggling with a fundamental skill: typing on a physical keyboard.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the decline in typing instruction has led to a significant gap in Gen Z’s keyboard typing skills. This alarming revelation has educators and parents concerned about the long-term impact on academic performance and future job prospects.
As WSJ points out, the report highlights that in 2000, 44% of high school graduates took a keyboarding course. By 2019, this number had plummeted to just 2.5%. This drastic decline in formal typing education has left many Gen Z students ill-equipped to efficiently navigate a physical keyboard.
As states like New York and Texas transition to computer-based testing, the demand for typing curricula is on the rise. Educators recognize the need to bridge the gap and provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital world, as Fudzilla reports.
Techspot highlights Tim Dikun, COO at Teaching.com, who said, “Students will have higher test scores when they don’t have to think about how to type and can think about the content they are creating.”
With renewed interest in typing instruction, schools are beginning to reprioritize this essential skill. By incorporating typing courses into their curricula, educators aim to equip Gen Z with the tools they need to thrive in both academic and professional settings.
As the world continues to evolve, striking a balance between mobile devices and physical keyboards will be crucial for optimal productivity. By addressing the typing skills gap, we can ensure that Gen Z is prepared to meet the challenges of the future head-on.
