I have to say the metaphor is still pretty lost on me.
#Type to learn com windows
We had as the original Type to Learn for Windows 98, and looking at some footage of the sequels online, it seems the developers leaned even further into the space theme in subsequent editions. A slightly transparent pair of disembodied hands danced around a keyboard on the screen as you progressed. “Practice typing jay-j-j-jay, practice typing eff-eh-eh-eh-eff,” it stammered as you slammed your fingers onto the keys faster than it was prepared to follow along. After signing in, you were reminded of proper finger placement and ergonomics: “Fingers curved, wrists flat, feet flat, sit up straight.” These instructions were given by the vaguely human voice which guided you through your subsequent lessons in a hilariously chopped and screwed style. The curiously space-themed typing adventure greeted you with a NASA style countdown on the login screen. I can’t even imagine playing the game without the added factor of the class ranking system. In retrospect, the game was genius, playing on the competitive nature of tweens to teach them an incredibly boring, essential skill. It pushed your slightly slimy fingies to their absolute limits.Ĭhallenges could range from a single character or word to long-form writing including complicated lines of dialogue with punctuation and addresses. More accurately, it could be described as a decathlon, testing speed, accuracy, agility, and endurance. If you’ve played Type to Learn, then you are well aware that comparing it to a battle royale does not do the game justice. I was not going to let that damn question mark foil my chance for a top spot. I remember practicing hitting “shift + /” three times before logging in with my username and password. I’m not sure if anyone else remembers the feeling of their quivering fingers finding the little nubs on the “J” and “F” keys, after you lowered the paper over the keys. The sheet of paper was the diabolical anti-cheat mechanism, meant to shield your eyes and so you could learn to trust your instincts and become a true “touch typer” - and to ensure no foul play occurred in this clicky-clacky battle royale. This was the mountaintop, the place of envy that we all strived to reach, every Thursday just before lunch.Įach battle station was equipped with a chunky IBM-style mechanical keyboard with a piece of printer paper taped to the top. Written on easel paper, taped end to end, the top 10 highest scorers in Type to Learn appeared for all to see. I remember straining to see the leaderboard - it was barely visible if you looked through the corner of the door’s window to the far wall.
Sure, you should be doing homework, but Carmen Sandiego is on the loose!
Computer Lab Week is our ode to the classic “school” games, like Oregon Trail and Number Munchers, that kept us from being productive.
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