Publisher: The Software Toolworks
Platform: PC
Release Date: 1987
Description
"The program includes a number of speed tests and constantly tracks the user's words-per-minute typing speed. It also includes a number of typing games; games of some sort have been included since the first release." -Wikipedia
Game Walkthrough
The first option in the game is to “Meet Mavis”, which provides a walkthrough of the contents of the game. Once the player wants to begin the game he creates a profile. The player must select his age and typing level, so that the game can determine what kind of exercises to offer the player. The game has drills that teach new keys, focus on speed, focus on accuracy, or focus on problem keys. Some drills involve a metronome with which the player tries to keep up. Other drills require the player to type from a separate sheet of paper. There is also the racing game in which the speed of the player’s car matches the adjusted (for accuracy) words per minute typed. Progress can be tracked on a variety of graphs.
Playthrough
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Timestamps
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Game Objectives
In most drills the objective is to beat the goal WPM set for the player, though some emphasize accuracy over speed. The goal of the racing game is to reach the finish before the other driver.
Educational Objectives
The game aims to teach newcomers to typing how to type and also improve the speed and accuracy of players who already know how to type.
Motivational Elements
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Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing tries to mix work and fun to make learning typing easier. The racing game, though virtually the same as the rest of the game, is meant to be a more entertaining typing exercise. There is also an exercise titled “Fiction makes your fingers fly” that provides a more relaxing session of typing. |
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The numerous graphs let the player visualize his progress in specific areas. The player can increase his goal WPM after successfully beating his old goal to keep himself motivated to continue improving. |
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The game allows players to customize their routines so that the game meets each individual players needs. While the game will automatically try to focus on areas that need practice while throwing in occasional "game" breaks, the option for the player to do his own lesson planning helps keep the player focused on what he wants to get out of the game. |
Educational Outcomes
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is a tool to improve a person’s typing skills and it does its job well. While there is actually little differentiation between types of drills, all of the drills help improve typing ability and the slight variation keeps the game fresh. The game recognizes areas that need improvement and prepares drills to develop those areas. The game also allows players to make their own lessons where players can choose to work on anything from words using the right hand only to the most common words. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is an excellent game to learn typing from even if it is not always the most fun.
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