The Hindu Business Line : Keys to learning

“BiG Tech is a Nasscom Foundation (NF) initiative in partnership with TechSoup ( www.techsoup.org ), a San Francisco-based non-profit technology capacity building organisation,” explains Rufina Fernan des, CEO, Nasscom Foundation. It assists NGOs and charities by offering access to free software donation programs of donor partners.

NGOs can log on to http://www.bigtech.in to request a product donation from donor partners listed there.

Rolled out in September 2007, the programme so far has distributed 1,011 software products worth Rs 1.34 crore through the BiG Tech portal.

Typing speed, accuracy

Recently, Bytes of Learning Incorporated, a technology company that provides teaching tools with Nasscom Foundation, launched the UltraKey typing instruction software for non-profit groups and community organisations.

“UltraKey makes for typing fluency by building speed and accuracy,” says Rufina.

Learning here is supported by voice, 3D animation and video. Users of any age and language can learn with this software because it provides personal instructions to guide learners.

First designed in 1984 by a Bytes of Learning (BOL) team consisting of educators and experts in typing and typing instruction processes with a team of technology developer experts, the software includes five major versions with 10 to 15 minor revisions within each cycle.

The UltraKey 5.0 program can be installed on local workstations and be set to store individual records.

“The Data Server Software, which is included with Network UP licences, communicates with UltraKey 5.0 clients on Windows and Mac platforms using Internet Protocol or IP. UltraKey 5.0 is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Novell, Linux and other industry standard network servers.

The UltraKey 5.0 program is optimised for Citrix and other thin client servers.

It is compatible with any PC or PC server operating Windows 2000 2003 XP Vista,” says Rufina.

UltraKey was not originally developed for disabled users but it has been expanded to accommodate them.

“Some people have difficulty concentrating so they need a much simpler interface free of distracting colour.

Others might have difficulty reading or they are in the process of learning to read, so the program has voice-accompanied instruction. Others might not have two hands or have lost the use of some fingers.

Such people are accommodated by removing the standard hands from the screen and encouraging the individual to develop whatever speed and alternative typing techniques they can achieve,” she says.

Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSWA), Bandra, Mumbai, that trains about 800 youth every year in 20 centres in basics such as typing speed to enable them to get jobs in back-offices and data processing centres, was among the first to use this.

“The very first time Bytes of Learning used UltraKey with students was with a group of grade four slow learners.

BOL had expected them to last for about ten minutes with the programme, but after twenty minutes, when the students had showed no signs of breaking off, the teacher directed them to take a break.

We only recommend 20 minutes at a time because the exercises and learning can be very intense and tiring for unconditioned muscles,” says Fernandes.

Not that it hasn’t had its share of critics. As Art Miller, President, Bytes of Learning, says “The only time BOL has had negative reviews is when adults who believe software has to be filled with games to be interesting, have complained.”

Log onto to http://www.bigtech.in for more.

paromita@thehindu.co.in

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