UltraKey Family Subscription Review || Typing Program

We are living in a time where everything is fast past and technology driven.  However, many kids, teens, and even adults don't know how to properly type.  Most people can work their two thumbs exceptionally well, but could not tell you where their fingers should go on a keyboard.  Home row keys?  What's that? Most of them would ask.  I am one of those parents that strongly feel we should still learn how to properly type and use a keyboard.  I'm not even sure if they still offer keyboarding in public school, but I always knew I wanted my children to learn proper typing skills.  So, I was beyond thrilled when the homeschool review crew was given the opportunity to review UltraKey Online Family Subscription from Bytes of Learning.  Surprisingly all of my children have really enjoyed this and even ask, "Can we do typing today?" 

With their UltraKey Online Family Subscription Bytes of Learning provides fun, engaging media-rich instruction for learning how to type. 





UltraKey Online interactively teaches correct posture, how to position your fingers on the keyboard, and striking techniques.  There is really no prerequisite as you can take an assessment to see where you should begin or you can set your child's goals or have them do it themselves.  Currently, UltraKey Online is oriented to the North American Keyboard, and North America spelling and content.  The UK and Australian/New Zealand orientation will be implemented during 2018.
This program is suggested for ages 8 to adult, however, it can be used in practice with children as young as 5 years old.  For the best results, it should be used at least twice a week for at least 20 - 30 minutes at a time.  However, you know your child better than anyone else does so you have the flexibility to use it the way you see fit.  There are twelve lessons in total and before moving on to the next lesson there are skill checks that help you reach your goal. Depending on your child, lessons can be completed in one sitting.
Each of my children used it a little differently my older kids, ages 14 and 12,  used it twice a week and my younger kids, ages 8 and 11, used it randomly because they considered it a fun learning game.  Speaking of games there is a game zone so that the kids can play typing games all while still learning to type. 


Our Thoughts:   I asked each of my kids what they thought about UltraKey Online and if they would recommend it to other kids and this is what they had to say. 
My fourteen-year-old daughter said,  "I enjoy UltraKey keyboarding lessons because it's quick and simple.  The lessons are built to help you remember where your keys are.  I personally don't like the fact the lady talks us through each and every step, but the teaching videos are very informative.  I really love the games that are included.  I would highly recommend to other children and even adults if they need to increase their typing speed.
My 12-year-old son said, "This keyboarding is kind of fun.  I like the teaching videos, the stretch break, and I like, uh, what else I like the skill check thing that is shows and the auto speak helps keep me on task.  I would recommend this to other kids because it is a fun way to learn typing.
My 11-year-old daughter said, "I like it, but I like the other one you had me do at first better because it doesn't do all that talking like this one. (yikes, I have to show her how to turn that lady off )  I would still recommend it to other kids because it teaches well"
My 9-year-old son said, "Well it's fun and sometimes it's hard but it is still easy. I like trying to beat the timer. I especially like the games!  I would recommend this to other kids because if they don't know how to type they can use it to learn how.

As for me, I think UltraKey Online is a great typing program and very affordable, especially if you have a large family like myself.  The enrollment process was very easy it took about 2 minutes for me to enroll all 4 of my kids.  I love how it shows the kids detailed, correct, body posture.  There is even a puzzle at the end to be sure the kids were paying attention, however, it can be tricky and you can't move on until you complete it.  If you have trouble in that area you can go to the settings and turn off the step-by-step learning.  Parents have complete control on managing their children's account and can make changes to fit each child individually.  You can pull reports to see an overall view of how they are doing.  Upon completion of the program, you can print a certificate of completion.  I will share a picture of the kids' once they are finished with the program.  So overall, I would highly recommend UltraKey Online Family Subscription to families who want to implement typing into their homeschool, for kids in public school needing extra keyboarding practice, and for adults who need to improve their typing speed.

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You can hear what other moms on the Homeschool Review team is saying about UltraKey Family Subscription from Bytes of Learning by clicking here or the banner below.  As always happy homeschooling!