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New Software from Knowledge-101 Offers Science-Based Approach to Keyboarding
LANCASTER, N.Y., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading the charge for a new take on the decades-old approach to typing instruction is Knowledge-101, which has released its new Finger Mapping System (FMS) software, now available for download at CNET: http://tinyurl.com/2b2uj6.

The software is based on scientific studies of human learning and cognition. The patented FMS method - developed and tested at the State University of New York at Buffalo - improves users' hand-finger dexterity and leads to more efficient typing.

"Rote memorization isn't the way to teach the next generation how to use a keyboard in short order," said Joseph B. Delphonse, Knowledge-101's co-founder. "Innovation has made the keyboard an indispensable part of people's lives, and we really feel typing instruction should catch up with the latest science on learning."

Delphonse added that many software packages on the market today use teaching techniques that hinder the natural human-learning process. Conventional typing software often relies on memorization to overcome the mental and physical challenges a keyboard's layout poses for the hands, fingers and the brain.

Delphonse continued, "The problem with the conventional approach is that if an action is repeated, the total activation for that action would only increase over time. There's no possible way to restrict or hinder unwanted parallel interaction in the learned action. The ability to type the phrase 'quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog' at high proficiency level does not also mean one is able to type any other combination of those letters on the keyboard at such a level."

The method of the Finger Mapping System is based on a new architecture of the human cognitive system, organized in schemas with production operators, consisting of controlled-random conditions and actions (CRC -> A). The software uses a well-defined set of rules for hand-finger placement and lifting, along with a keyboard introduction. Users advance through specific and individual finger drills and lessons on three different levels - composed of primary, associative, strategic and random keys. While the FMS user types, the software analyzes the work and provides real feedback and guidance every minute.

A built-in threshold system identifies user progress and appropriates different finger lessons and levels. Every lesson includes a detailed report outlining strengths and weaknesses.

FMS helps both beginners and expert typists and is appropriate for all ages due to its scientific approach to hand-finger dexterity. Knowledge-101 plans to ultimately make the FMS system available in more languages.

"FMS is unlike any other keyboarding software on the market. If you are responsible for teaching keyboarding skills to children or adults, you need to check this out," concluded Richard Schreckengost, co-founder of Knowledge-101.

About Knowledge-101

Founded in 2006 by Joseph B. Delphonse and Richard Schreckengost and affiliated with Computer SOS, Knowledge-101 promotes technologies and develops instructional models for the typing keyboard. The company plans to develop keyboarding models for any keyboard or handheld device.
    
    
       Contact: 
Joseph B. Delphonse, MA, abd Ph.D.
Knowledge-101
716-846-9270
joseph@knowledge-101.com
http://www.knowledge-101.com
http://www.fingermapping.com
    
    
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Knowledge-101

/CONTACT: Joseph B. Delphonse, MA, abd Ph.D., of Knowledge-101, +1-716-846-9270, joseph@knowledge-101.com
/Web site: http://www.knowledge-101.com
/Web site: http://www.fingermapping.com
/Web site: http://tinyurl.com/2b2uj6

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Scientific Guidance of Keyboarding Instruction to Become Reality with Knowledge-101’s Finger Mapping System Software

LANCASTER, N.Y., May 31, 2007 – Typing instruction has come a long way from the old days of meticulously hunting-and-pecking “the swift brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.” But perhaps no keyboarding software has leapt farther beyond the old standards than the Finger Mapping System (FMS, http://www.fingermapping.com) being developed by Knowledge-101.

The reason: there exists no other typing instruction software based on well-defined human cognition research, nor a patented learning system, tested for typing instruction at a reputable academic institution. It may sound like overkill for those who simply want to learn to type, but in fact, FMS is the only product of its kind designed to work with human psychomotor development, rather than against it.

In plain English, that means popular typing instruction software packages actually use teaching techniques that hinder the natural human learning process, relying on memorization to overcome the mental and physical challenges the keyboard layout poses for the brain. By contrast, the FMS method--developed from research principles tested at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo--fosters real learning, to the point that the software can be used to provide diagnostic data about the nature and extent of physical dysfunction following injury, stroke, neurological disease and other conditions negatively affecting normal cognitive functioning. FMS can also be used to help measure progress and plan treatment in rehabilitation therapy. The software’s keyboarding techniques can even help prevent further tendon damage in carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers.

“This is not your grandmother’s keyboarding instruction software,” said Richard Schreckengost, Knowledge-101 cofounder and CFO. “FMS is based on established, well-researched learning principles. It really is a world apart from traditional typing software.”

FMS follows a well-defined set of rules for hand-finger placement and lifting to introduce students to the keyboard, walk them through individual finger drills, and present beginning, intermediate and advanced finger lessons. The software provides real-time feedback and identifies each student’s progress, automatically moving to different finger lessons and levels as appropriate. After each lesson, FMS provides a detailed report analyzing and reviewing the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Because of its scientific approach to hand-finger dexterity, FMS is challenging for beginners and expert typists alike--and appropriate for all ages.

“The FMS software is a technological breakthrough that sets the standard for keyboarding instruction,” said Knowledge-101 cofounder Joseph B. Delphonse, MAH, abd Ph.D., who developed the FMS instructional approach as a doctoral student at SUNY at Buffalo. “It is a whole new approach to keyboarding instruction.”

About Knowledge-101

Founded in 2006 by Joseph B. Delphonse and Richard Schreckengost, Knowledge-101 promotes technologies and develops instructional models for the typing keyboard. The company, which is affiliated with Computer SOS, plans to develop keyboarding models for any keyboard or handheld device.

The FMS beta version is currently available for free download at http://www.fingermapping.com/beta_sign_up.php. To learn more, visit http://www.fingermapping.com.

Contact:

Joseph B. Delphonse, MAH, abd Ph.D.

Knowledge-101

Tel: 716-846-9270

Fax: 716-681-2098

joseph@knowledge-101.com

http://www.knowledge-101.com

http://www.fingermapping.com

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