Supervised Trials
eText 3 Trial – Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE, Australia
A partly supervised trial of the eText 3 typing tutor software was conducted at the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE, an adult education college in Victoria, Australia in 1999 (typeSmart was originally called eText, for electronic text).
The trial indicated that 10 students achieved basic keyboard and typing skills, comprising an average speed of 23 words per minute with an average accuracy of 95 percent in an average of 4.3 hours. All achieved All Finger keyboard and typing skills.
A PDF copy of the report eText 3 Results and Satisfaction in Adult Education, 23 February 2000, prepared by META Consultants Pty Ltd, can be obtained on request.
eText Version 1 Trial – City of Vancouver, BC, Canada
In 1997, META Consultants engaged an independent research consultant to undertake a trial of eText Version 1 with a group of employees of the City of Vancouver (typeSmart was originally called eText, for electronic text).
The consultant was Judy Village, C.P.E. M.Sc., Principal of Judy Village and Associates, Ergonomic Design, Consulting and Education of North Vancouver. The Summary of her report is reproduced here:
“From October 1997 to June 1998, 47 employees of City of Vancouver agreed to participate in a trial of eText typing tutorial software. Thirty participants completed the program and returned post-questionnaires (63.8%). Those that did not complete the program most commonly stated lack of time and workload as reasons. One-third of participants completed the full six hours of eText, and two-thirds completed four or more hours.
“Participants generally found eText easy to use, fairly enjoyable, that it kept their interest and they were satisfied with the program. Statistically significant differences were found from pre to post eText training in the percentage of participants who reported using all their fingers when they type. Participants were significantly faster after training, with an overall 27% increase in typing speed for the group. The percentage of time participants reported looking at their fingers dropped significantly, an average of 47% for the group. There were no significant differences in actual or perceived accuracy pre to post eText training.
“Participants perceptions of their overall keyboard skills pre to post eText training improved significantly, their perceptions of their typing speed increased significantly and participants were significantly more satisfied with using a computer following eText training. There were no increases in pain or discomfort following the eText training.
“Based on the trial conducted at City of Vancouver, it is recommended that the City offer eText typing tutorial to employees wishing to improve their typing skill – specifically use of all fingers, typing without looking at keys, speed and overall keyboard skills and satisfaction.
“It is recommended that META Innovation improve some of the user aspects of the computer program – such as setting up the progress report and moving between skills. More variety in the exercises would also improve satisfaction with the program. Finally, it is recommended that a variety of techniques be used to encourage participants to continue with the program once they show interest, such as offering incentives, providing in-person support, etc.”
Judy’s recommendations encouraged us to design and develop eText Versions 2 and 3 and typeSmart, and her suggestions were incorporated into these products.
A PDF copy of the report prepared by Judy Village and Associates can be obtained on request.
