* Early 20th Century: The first typewriters were invented in the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century, they were becoming increasingly common in offices. Some schools began offering typing classes, mainly for vocational training.
* Mid 20th Century: The rise of the computer in the 1960s and 1970s revolutionized the workplace, making typing skills essential for many jobs. Schools began incorporating keyboarding into the curriculum, often as an elective subject.
* Late 20th Century: The increasing popularity of personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s led to the widespread integration of keyboarding into the elementary and secondary school curriculum. By the 1990s, it was common for students to learn keyboarding skills starting in elementary school.
* Early 21st Century: The prevalence of laptops and tablets has made touch-typing even more crucial. Today, keyboarding is often taught from an early age, with some schools incorporating it into their curriculum as early as kindergarten.
Key factors in the adoption of keyboarding instruction:
* Technological advancements: The introduction of computers and later, personal computers, made keyboarding a fundamental skill.
* Shifting job market: The rise of digital technology and the need for computer literacy made keyboarding a vital skill for employment.
* Educational reforms: Curriculum changes and the emphasis on technology in education also contributed to the widespread integration of keyboarding instruction.
In summary, while a precise starting point is difficult to pinpoint, the integration of keyboarding into school curriculum began in the early 20th century and became widespread by the late 20th century. Today, keyboarding is a standard part of education, taught from an early age.