Dance Mat Typing
We can't stop the children from using computers, iPads and tablets. But at least let's ensure they get their basics right - that is typing! One of the world's largest organizations BBC has come up with an interesting online typing course that would steal the attention of every child called as 'Dance Mat typing'. It's attractive, colourful, animated graphics will not only drive the children crazy but will also make them experts at typing. This application comprises 4 levels with each level containing 3 stages.
Children will be introduced to different animated cartoons who will act as their teachers from stage 1 through stage 12. The whole teaching package has been created in such a way that by the end of the stage 12 the children would have accomplished themselves as excellent touch-typists. The best part of this learning course is it is very interactive. There are other supporting cartoons other than the teacher who will guide the child in case of any mistakes, at the same time will appreciate when the child get's something right. The entire course is supplemented by background music which adds more colour to the learning.
The first stage has the goat named Gary as the teacher who will teach letters on the home row on a keyboard in a rock and roll manner. This stage uses records to track the progress of learning. The second stage has octopus as the teacher named Calamarie with a euphonious voice. This stage uses shells to walk through the progess. The third stage has the rooster named Ray as the teacher. Here children are required to break the eggs as they pass through every sentence. This would complete level 1.
Stage 4 has the hippo named Dainty who is the teacher. As the children go through their lessons, one can hear the Hippo snoring from behind. Stage 5 has Tom the ninja turtle as the teacher. He is seen wearing a hat and the stage has crushed bottles being used to show the progress. The stage 6 has Flamingo named Frankie as the teacher. The children will get to hear some Spanish guitar music as they go through their lessons. This would complete level 2.
Stage 7 has the Yak named Yesha as the teacher, this stage uses gongs to show how far the children have gone with their learning. Stage 8 has Gerry the giraffe as the teacher. This stage uses turtles to show the progress. Stage 9 has the queen bee Beatrice as the teacher. This stage uses flowers to track the progress and we can hear the supporting bees buzzing around. This would complete level 3.
Stage 10 has Apollo the cat as the teacher. This stage uses plates to track the progress of the lesson. We also get to experience some Greek music in the background. Stage 11 uses Sybil the snake as the teacher .This stage uses weights to show the progress of learning. We get to hear some piano music in the background. Stage 12 is the final stage of the course where the rock star Gary from stage 1 gives an entry along with his other fellow teachers. This is like a recap of all the lessons from stage 1 through stage 11 with some warm up tests then to a tougher level. The course ends here with the children reaching their milestone.