Writing using computers is a vital life skill. We are constantly texting, posting, blogging and emailing.

This is a huge change for schools when it comes to teaching writing. For students, learning how to write on a computer is crucial. National literacy tests are now administered online in many countries, including Australia’s NAPLAN.

The rise of AI tools such as ChatGPT still require students to become expert writers so they can prompt the technology and judge the quality of its products.

However, despite its importance, our new research shows typing and word processing skills are often not explicitly taught in primary schools.

Research suggests teaching typing and word processing skills should start in primary school, much like writing with pen and paper.

There is no evidence-based recommendation for specific ages to start, but it should also be taught as schools introduce students to computers. This is crucial to avoid incorrect key locations and hand and finger positions, which are difficult to correct later.

This is not necessarily a........

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