New Software Offers Science-Based Approach to Keyboarding

LANCASTER, N.Y., Aug. 29, 2007 - Leading the charge for a new take on the decades-old approach to typing instruction is Knowledge-101, which has released its new Finger Mapping System (FMS) software, now available for download at CNET: http://tinyurl.com/2b2uj6.
The software is based on scientific studies of human learning and cognition. The patented FMS method - developed and tested at the State University of New York at Buffalo - improves users' hand-finger dexterity and leads to more efficient typing.
"Rote memorization isn't the way to teach the next generation how to use a keyboard in short order," said Joseph B. Delphonse, Knowledge-101's co-founder. "Innovation has made the keyboard an indispensable part of people's lives, and we really feel typing instruction should catch up with the latest science on learning."
Delphonse added that many software packages on the market today use teaching techniques that hinder the natural human-learning process. Conventional typing software often relies on memorization to overcome the mental and physical challenges a keyboard's layout poses for the hands, fingers and the brain.
Delphonse continued, "The problem with the conventional approach is that if an action is repeated, the total activation for that action would only increase over time. There's no possible way to restrict or hinder unwanted parallel interaction in the learned action. The ability to type the phrase 'quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog' at high proficiency level does not also mean one is able to type any other combination of those letters on the keyboard at such a level."
The method of the Finger Mapping System is based on a new architecture of the human cognitive system, organized in schemas with production operators, consisting of controlled-random conditions and actions (CRC -> A). The software uses a well-defined set of rules for hand-finger placement and lifting, along with a keyboard introduction. Users advance through specific and individual finger drills and lessons on three different levels - composed of primary, associative, strategic and random keys. While the FMS user types, the software analyzes the work and provides real feedback and guidance every minute.
A built-in threshold system identifies user progress and appropriates different finger lessons and levels. Every lesson includes a detailed report outlining strengths and weaknesses.
FMS helps both beginners and expert typists and is appropriate for all ages due to its scientific approach to hand-finger dexterity. Knowledge-101 plans to ultimately make the FMS system available in more languages.
"FMS is unlike any other keyboarding software on the market. If you are responsible for teaching keyboarding skills to children or adults, you need to check this out," concluded Richard Schreckengost, co-founder of Knowledge-101.

About Knowledge-101 Founded in 2006 by Joseph B. Delphonse and Richard Schreckengost and affiliated with Computer SOS, Knowledge-101 promotes technologies and develops instructional models for the typing keyboard. The company plans to develop keyboarding models for any keyboard or handheld device.