Keyboarding and typing and the New South Wales (NSW) Syllabus

Keyboarding and typing and the New South Wales (NSW) Syllabus

The typing outcomes in the New South Wales (NSW) Syllabus are found in the Digital Text Production Section of the K-6 English Syllabus and explicitly requires the practice of keyboard skills although no acceptable standard is set. The assumption is that these outcomes are achieved through the teaching of touch typing.

See also KeyboardKeyboarding and typing: Australian Curriculum

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Digital text production

Learning to recognise and select letters correctly links closely with learning to spell. Learning to produce effective digital and multimodal texts is essential for communication in the 21st century.

Early Stage 1

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Use of digital technologies (ENe-2A, ENe-3A, ENe-11D)

  • construct texts using software, including word processing programs
  • use simple functions of keyboard and mouse (typing, scrolling, selecting icons and dropdown menus)
  • experiment using digital technologies  to produce simple texts
  • create simple multimodal texts
  • develop an awareness of issues relating to the responsible use of digital communication

Use of digital technologies (EN1-2A, EN1-3A, EN1-11D)

  • compose digital texts
  • compose texts which integrate written and visual components using digital technologies
  • practise using a keyboard
  • construct texts that incorporate supporting images using software, including word processing programs
  • compose emails
  • experiment with publishing using different modes and media
  • develop an awareness of issues relating to responsible use of digital communication
  • select print and multimodal elements appropriate to audience and purpose

Use of digital technologies (EN2-2A, EN2-3A, EN2-9B, EN2-7B)

  • experiment with digital and multimodal technologies
  • use a range of software, including word processing programs to construct, edit and publish written text
  • practise a range of keyboard skills,

eg ability to use all essential function keys

  • use digitally produced visual representations to represent ideas, experience and information
  • identify the features of online texts that enhance navigation

and readability, eg text, links, graphics, layout

  • select, edit and place visual, print and audio elements
  • discuss issues related to responsible use of digital communication

Use of digital technologies (EN3-2A, EN3-5B)

  • choose and experiment with digital and multimodal resources when constructing texts
  • experiment with language, design, layout and graphics
  • use a range of software, including word processing programs, learning new functions as required to create texts
  • demonstrate confidence, accuracy and speed in keyboard skills
  • discuss issues related to the responsible use of digital technologies
  • use and assess the reliability of digital resources when researching topics