Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing! Overview
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing! is an educational program designed to instruct users in touch typing. Instruction is delivered within a simulated classroom environment where the virtual teacher, Mavis Beacon, provides guidance. The core practice involves replicating on-screen text prompts using the correct fingers on the keyboard, with visual aids displaying both the keyboard layout and proper finger placement.
Learners can monitor their development through a progress tracking system that generates over twenty distinct graphs. This data can inform the creation of customized practice sessions. The program supports multiple keyboard layouts, including both QWERTY and Dvorak, which can be selected prior to starting.
Beyond structured lessons, the software includes an arcade-style racing game. In this mode, typing speed directly controls a vehicle's performance, with the challenging opposition becoming faster at higher levels. Various gameplay settings can be adjusted, and user progress is saved automatically. Help features and instructor comments are available to explain actions and game types.
