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Fun software platform that uses games to help kids learn how to type

Fun software platform that uses games to help kids learn how to type

Vote: (403 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Tux4Kids

Version: 1.8.1

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(403 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Tux4Kids

1.8.1

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Tux Typing, an open-source software application that is geared toward providing children with early digital literacy skills, is a free download for Windows that parents should strongly consider installing. It is part of the Tux4Kids project, which received a lot of support from the Linux Foundation. Along with Tux Math and Tux Paint, Tux Typing can be used to teach kids about computer usage in an age-appropriate way. Because the app was originally developed for Linux desktop distributions with the C programming language, it is easily convertible to other platforms. Additionally, it can work on vintage computers running Windows XP, so this could be a smart application to install on older PCs that are converted to playroom computers for children.

Using Tux Typing as Digital Literacy Tutor

Typing proficiency is a basic skill necessary for both the workforce and for completing many educational courses. In the United States public school system, typing used to be an elective course offered during high school, but it became a required course at some point in the 1980s only for students who were interested in taking computer classes at the time. Since then, there has been a lack of consistency in typing education for American students; in some cases, it is not offered if the school district expects Generation Z students to learn on their own because they are growing up in the digital age.

According to a 2022 report published by Intel on the state of the modern workforce, many young people joining the labor market today have inadequate typing skills. Surprisingly, this problem isn't just a problem for Americans; it's a global issue. A lot of young job seekers these days are terrible typists; they're extremely good with their thumbs when using touchscreen keyboards on their smartphones, but that's not enough when they sit down at computer workstations. A hunt-and-peck strategy won't cut it in today's highly competitive job market, and hiring managers are concerned that they won't be able to train new workers in innovative fields such as artificial intelligence and cyber security unless they can type correctly.

It may take years or even a decade for the American education system to develop the right solutions to address the digital skills shortage cited in the aforementioned Intel report. Until then, we need to abandon the assumption that students can learn digital literacy skills on their own. Only high school students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs are required to take typing instruction at many public school districts, and this clearly needs to change.

With the above in mind, parents who want to equip their kids with the necessary keyboard skills for future circumstances may think about using digital tutoring programs like Tux Typing for Windows. This program, which is made for kids between the ages of 6 and 11, not only introduces typing in a pleasant and whimsical way but also helps young learners gain keyboarding abilities. Many adults who have given this software positive reviews believe that it might provide them with a solid platform to brush up on their touch typing abilities, particularly with regard to optimal hand and finger alignment. Try the Tux Typing games to see how you do at the higher levels if you want to increase your accuracy and words per minute.

Learning to Type With Tux Typing

Tux Typing for Windows will transform the display to full-screen mode once it has been downloaded and installed. In the event that you absolutely must run it as a windowed app, keep in mind that this is not just the default display mode but also the only one. The keyboard layout controlled by Windows settings is supported by Tux Typing, which also offers a variety of language choices. Unfortunately, not all translations are exact, and certain passages in languages other than English and Spanish are completely skipped, but you should still be able to figure out what was lost in the missed translation, at least enough to operate the program.

The finger exercises that are common to all typing education techniques can be found in Tux Typing's Lessons module. This module also allows you to gauge how far your pupils have progressed in their study, with more than 40 progressive tasks that cover every row of the piano. Although students can begin playing the two games that are the hallmarks of Tux Typing right away, it is advised that they first master the lessons before moving on to Phrase Typing, where the challenges include numerous pangrams—phrases that contain every letter of the Roman alphabet—which offer a thorough challenge.

Playing Educational Games With Tux Typing

You may read about Tux, the amiable and endearing penguin who also happens to be the Linux operating system mascot, in a children's story in the release notes of Tux Typing's initial concept and build. This is the idea of Fish Cascade, one of two typing games that make this software fascinating to kids. Tux has an enormous appetite for fish that fall from the sky.

The fish that descend from the upper portion of the Fish Cascade screen are contaminated with letters, words, or sentences depending on the difficulty level. Tux can only safely eat the letters if players enter the right combination of keystrokes to remove them from the screen. If they don't, Tux will suffer stomach discomfort from the unappetizing letters. This game alone makes the Tux Typing download worth it, but there is another one that may be more appealing to young students.

Later, Comet Zap—the star of the Tux Math app—was added to Tux Typing as a bonus game based on Math Command. Missile Command, a renowned Atari game from the 1980s, served as the inspiration for Math Command. Players in Comet Zap must type with the speed and accuracy necessary to shoot down the comets and defend the cities as they speed toward them while being attached to fiery space rocks. There is no nuclear war imagery in this game.

In the end, Tux Typing's vibrant and animated backgrounds contribute to the game's overall friendliness and appeal. The gameplay of Comet Zap and Fish Cascade is unquestionably a lot of fun, and this is the perfect learning environment for kids. This app is excellent if you need to find your kids a free typing tutor. The companion Tux Math and Tux Paint apps are actually worth looking into so that your family's children can receive a more comprehensive digital education.

Tux Typing for Windows Pros

  • Free to download and install.
  • UI is excellent for children.
  • Truly educational.

Tux Typing for Windows Cons

  • Does not run in windowed mode.