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Being a teacher is hard enough when you have to get a whole class on the same page about the basics of math. When it comes to typing, many teachers are struggling to find the best ways to get students engaged and interested in learning. Thankfully, software like Typesy is here to help out.

It is a daunting process to transfer from normal teaching to the digital world of typing skills for any teacher. However, Typesy is designed with all teachers in mind to get them what they need to do their job. With tracking software and progress monitoring, teachers can see where students are doing well and where they could use a helping hand. You can now help every student individually so that they feel listened to and cared for even in the digital space. Every student learns at a different pace and Typesy is here to adapt and customize their learning experience on an individual basis.

Giving children a sense of accomplishment online can be hard, but certificates of completion can encourage them to keep working and learning. Teachers can take their developed teaching skills and apply them to typing by working with Typesy to help all students.

Teaching students to type may seem like an easy enough process, but it comes with a decent amount of skill that is needed. You can teach your students to type much easier when you take the time to learn some essential tips to get them learning more effectively than ever before.

The first step to effective teaching is using the right software. When you want to teach students to the best of your ability, you need to use the best software to help you out. A good software for teaching typing will be easy for everyone to use and will keep students engaged. Check out Typesy for a learning experience that will be both easy to use and informative for all students.

The next tip is to be comfortable with the technology you need to teach with. Helping students figure out problems with the software will allow you to get them learning quickly. With software like Typesy, teachers and students can have an easy time learning to type with software that is easy to navigate and is free of issues.

The last thing to remember is to get students engaged! Share with them the benefits of typing with the help of Typesy showing them how fun it can really be.

So much software today is trying to teach students of all ages to try and type successfully. Where issues start to arise is when we take a look at what it is these programs are really teaching our kids. Giving students a firm grasp on typing in their studies should be the goal of any typing software, and that’s what makes Typesy stand out.

When you choose Typesy, you are getting so much more than just another typing software that tries to get students to a decent level of skill. With the easy to use interface, navigating the Typesy program is a piece of cake for young kids or any adults. The intuitive experience allows students to navigate from lesson to lesson with ease and helps them feel like they are learning.

While learning to type is an essential skill, we still want it to be fun for students. From videos to games, keeping students engaged has never been easier than with Typesy. Have your students learning faster than ever before and wanting to learn more with a fun interface that gets students excited to learn. Choose Typesy to get your students the learning they want with the skills they need.

To create the next generation of students, the world must come together to give them all the help we can for their learning. With classrooms getting larger and more students having access to learning resources, now is the time to give students the best options possible when teaching them new skills.

Essential learning skills used to involve writing in cursive and knowing times tables, but the new skill that students are coming to need is typing. The online world is always growing and students need to be able to communicate through it effectively. However, traditional typing programs were not designed with practicality and learning in mind. These outdated software would have children typing meaningless phrases that would not actually help them learn anything.

Thankfully for students, the Typesy software is here to help. With the revolutionary Typesy learning method, students are learning to type what matters. The transdisciplinary approach gives students typing skills in writing, science, history, math, and s much more! We need to give our students the option to have higher-order thinking that gets them reviewing the topics that matter most to their learning. Typesy is here to keep students engaged and learning in and out of the classroom.

There are several scientific studies that suggest students respond better to some teaching efforts better than others. To effectively teach touch typing, keep these tips in your mind along the way.

Reinforce Progress

Encouragement and positive feedback are a crucial part of the learning process. Students yearn for approval from their teachers and without it, the learning is less likely to be permanent.

The Process of Learning

Did you know that there is a learning process that scientifically occurs for each of us when we learn something new?

Unconscious Incompetence is the stage that each of us begins at when we are first learning something new. During this stage, you are unaware that you do not know something.

Unconscious competence is what happens when you have learned a subject so well that it becomes something you can do automatically. This is what happens when someone becomes efficient at touch typing and can type without thinking about it.

Transdisciplinary Approach

Most teachers agree that teaching across the subjects is the best way to reach any of the students that land on their roster. If you can link typing to class to things learned in ELA, math, science, or any other subject then you will be more likely to deeply reach the children.

There is a huge debate about whether or not our students should be taught typing skills in school. The huge presence of cell phones and tablets makes some question whether traditional typing will remain relevant in the future. However, it is not likely typing will go away any time soon. Here are a few of the many reasons why students should continue to learn typing in school.

State Tests

State tests are given on computer and require typing skills. Students who understand touch typing can more easily finish written responses in the time frame allotted.

Communication

Students, adults, and career professionals frequently communicate via text. In emails, letters, and written requests. Learning to type will help students with long-term communication skills.

Job Applications

Job applications are filled out primarily on computers these days. Learning to type will prepare students for understanding how to fill out a job application.

Career Skills

Typing is an expectation in many career fields that are lucrative and available in today’s world. In fact, in most instances, the ability to type is non-negotiable as a skill that is required for the job posting.

For all of these reasons, and many more, students should be well prepared in the field of typing.

Typesy Community is the Typesy Online Typing Software’s user engagement platform where existing users can gather to discuss product-related and touch typing-related topics. This Online Community is specially developed to become account holders’ verified source for anything Typesy. News, updates, features — Typesy Community is your go-to web page for all Typesy essentials.

Typesy Community is exclusive to existing users, as it is integrated with Typesy user accounts. To join, simply visit https://community.typesy.com/ and log in to your Typesy account. Once you’re done, you’ll have access to the community page and be able to post queries, feedback, and other content. 

The Typesy Community homepage is designed to enable users easy navigation across the various topics and threads. Users can browse through its seven categories for archived information, questions, and tips contributed by administrators and fellow users alike.

If you’re looking for an Online Community composed of individuals interested in touch typing and online typing, then Typesy Community is just the place for you. Be a part of Typesy Community now and delve further into the science and pedagogy of learning how to type.

Let’s get straight to it. You’re probably here because you’re on the verge of buying your first tDCS Device and are unsure what to buy. You have probably heard of the Omni Brain Stimulator, it’s one of 4 popular tDCS devices on the market and it remains by far the most affordable and provides the best value for money. I’ve been using tDCS for speed reading for many years now and remain a big fan of the Omni Simulator in fact the Spreeder community has been using it for years to enhance their speed reading with great success.

So why do I recommend the Omni Stimulator, what makes it the best? Here are the reasons I went with Omni after trying a much more expensive unit that broke on me.

Price

Don’t be ripped off like I was.  When buying anything you always want the best value for money. In 2014 I paid approximately $250 for my first tDCS device which shall go unnamed as I don’t wish to disparage any other products directly. That device lasted 7-8 months and broke.  In 2019 the competition has kicked in lowering the price of many products however there remains a huge disparity in the market on price/value ratio.  It becomes very clear that at $150-250 plus shipping is pretty steep price to pay when the Omni Stimulator is offering their item for $99.00 with free global shipping.

Why Warranty Matters

It’s not just peace of mind but if you find yourself with a broken tDCS device it’s nice to know it will be replaced. As from my experience with my first tDCS Device breaking I was left out of pocket and unless you have a background in electronics you’re out of luck trying to fix it. If any company has a large money-back guarantee they are putting the customer first and I learnt my lesson there. No matter how rugged you’re led to believe the item is go for the one with the larger warranty with any electronics.  The Omni Stimulator has offered a free 5 year warranty since it’s inception. An example of their generosity has been shown with a Spreeder user contacting us about losing their device and how they couldn’t afford another and Harry from Omni sent one out free of charge.

Everything you need

It comes with everything you need to get started. It’s a complete tDCS kit.  Get the device wet the sponges with saline and you’re ready to go and it works without hassle.  Though I had used tDCS previously I did have to buy a couple of electrodes which just added to the cost.

Money-Back Guarantee

Another example of Harry and the Omni Stimulator team putting their customers first is their money back guarantee which is a full year. In all honesty you probably won’t need to use any guarantee on any of the big 4 devices but it’s nice to know you can return it if you wish. Warranty is really what is going to matter to you and their warranty is by far the largest.

Customer Support

Harry and the team over at Omni Stimulator has always been very helpful in answering all our questions and has become a friend of the Spreeder community.  We asked Harry for a quick interview about the Omni Stimulator and tDCS in general which he has agreed to and will be posted soon.

Safety

All tDCS up to 2mA is safe. However there are images of people having slight burns by tDCS electrodes.  It’s not possible to do this with the electrodes they are using.  What they have done is made it so the width of the sponge is longer than the clip attaching it to the item.

 

 

Summary

It’s easy to use, works fantastic and has everything you need at the best price.  This glowing review is reflective of our experience here at Spreeder.

Scientists have always been fascinated with the brain, especially different ways to stimulate brain activity. There are various innovative ideas proposed, one of such techniques gaining ground is the use of TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (tDCS) device.

So if you are looking for a transcranial direct current stimulation device and you are not sure what it is, what to buy, what it does or if it even works then this article is just for you as we will be answering the most common questions asked regarding tDCS.

WHAT IS TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION?

Transcranial direct current stimulation or commonly known simply by its acronym tDCS is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique where low voltage direct current is passed through the scalp using electrodes over designated areas of interest in an attempt to modulate the activity of the brain. In simpler words, tDCS is a brain hack involving using batteries and electrodes to send low-level current to the brain to help tap into the brains full potential. A fixed current between 1mA and 2mA is typically applied. 

WHAT DOES tDCS DO?

tDCS is just becoming increasingly popular in the last decade, although previously used by the military air force for decades to help heighten the senses of the pilots allowing them to effectively pick out targets. Transcranial direct current stimulation was originally developed to help patients with brain injuries or psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder but research evidence supports tDCS use for cognitive enhancement in healthy people. Recent studies also have shown it to be useful in the treatment of depression.

HOW DOES tDCS WORK?

Transcranial direct current stimulation works by stimulating the brain neurons in specific regions that leads to a cortical change even after the stimulation is terminated. The duration of this change depends on the length of stimulation as well as the intensity of stimulation. The effects of stimulation increase as the duration of stimulation increases or the strength of the current increases.

When positive stimulation (anodal tDCS) is delivered, the current causes an increase in excitability of the neuron. When negative stimulation (cathodal tDCS) is delivered, the current causes a decrease in the neuron. Research has shown that tDCS produces a variety of effects depending on what areas of the brain are stimulated.

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A tDCS DEVICE?

In spite of the daunting name, tDCS devices are relatively simple, for example, the “Omni stimulator” consists of basic parts, which are:

• Wires: tDCS devices have two wires usually color-coded as a red and a black wire. The red color represents the anode, it is the positive wire while the black color represents the cathode, and it is the negative wire. 
• Electrodes: Both wires attach to the electrodes. Electrodes usually made up of a sponge, which is an electrical insulator, while for conduction of electricity a saline solution is used. Saline solution is simply a mixture of table salt and water, which can be readily made at home.
• Headband: A headband or sometimes two are used to hold the sponges (electrodes) of the transcranial direct current stimulation device in place on the surface that you are interested in stimulating.
• The tDCS device itself: The devices consist of a dial usually with multiple settings where the current is regulated. The Omni Stimulator, for example, has four settings of 0.5mA, 1mA, 1.5mA and 2mA with an indicating light to let you know the device is on and functional.

WHAT DEVICE SHOULD YOU BUY?

We recommend the Omni Stimulator as it gives by far the most bang for buck out of any transcranial direct current stimulation device available on the market today. They are a reputable brand, offering a huge 5-year warranty, and offer a 1-year money-back guarantee.

You probably do not want to walk around with any transcranial direct stimulation device in public (unless you don’t mind looking like you’re Doc Brown from Back to the Future) the item is small enough to fit into a larger pocket and light enough to carry around when traveling since it weighs just 230g.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF tDCS?

The benefits of a transcranial direct current stimulation device are many!

Healthy users speak of having improved mood, feeling more alert, focused and being more creative thereby accelerating learning, and boosting task performance. For example, anodal stimulation enhances facial expression recognition or inhibits aggressive responses whereas cathodal stimulation helps to improve motor function.

Also, the equipment is easy to use, reusable, relatively inexpensive, and easily replaced if worn or damaged. It is therefore easy for people to use tDCS at home, and it may soon be used alongside (or in replacement of) drug treatments to speed recovery and improve motor and cognitive performance. tDCS is also useful in managing some medical conditions such as depression, neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury and improving activities of daily living assessment after stroke.

Although tDCS is a non-invasive method, research has shown that it may induce seizures in people susceptible to seizures, such as epileptic patients. Other adverse effects include skin irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, and itching under the electrode especially in people with ultra-sensitive skin. This is why tDCS is not recommended for use longer than 20 minutes at a time.

It is worthy of note that testing your device at the lower settings before dedicating to a higher setting of 2.0mA goes a long way in ensuring a wonderful experience. The sponges (electrodes) are also damp but this should in no way affect the comfort of your experience.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT tDCS ELECTRODE POSITIONS (MONTAGES AND PROTOCOL)?

The different possible tDCS positions of both the anode and cathode electrodes on the body are referred to as montages.  There are various montages used, with each producing varying and distinct effects, the region of interest where a likely effect is expected is stimulated using the target electrode. The Protocol is a combination of the electrode position used, the current level used, and the total duration of the session.

 The most widely accepted protocol is anodal (red, positive electrode) stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC – F3), and cathode (black, negative electrode) positioned on the right prefrontal cortex (Fp2), located on the forehead above the right eyebrow, using 1mA of current for 20 minutes. This montage is believed to help improve many cognitive functions such as working memory, impulse control, reasoning, and learning.

Many websites provide information on tDCS montages, electrode placement instructions, and types of effects to be expected.

Click here to check out our highly recommended tDCS kit.

The use of social media has increased tenfold with the growth of smart technology and ease of access to the internet. Without doubt, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter have all made it easy for people to interact effortlessly and seamlessly without being restricted by regional borders. Sharing of ideas is more convenient now than it has ever been.

But there is a twist in the plot: Studies show that social media is leading many people to depression and loneliness. Social media users tend to sleep less, are hyperactive, struggle to be attentive, and are more vulnerable to social pressure than those who don’t have social media accounts. Although no study has given a conclusive analysis as to whether social media can cause depression, there is definitely an observational correlation between the two. However, for people who struggle with depression, who believe is a cause from the over usage of social media, there are available life coach training that can help them overcome this issue.

4 Ways Social Media Is Leading To Depression Among the Youth

Increased feeling of social isolation

The more time you spend on the internet (that includes social media), the more socially isolated you get. Offline social networks such as community work, playing together, interacting in church, and telling tales around a campfire, among others, encourage people to be closer together and share their common problems. Social media isn’t anything like that. Users talk with far-away friends and neglect those around them. And because the circle of “friends” is based in remote locations, no one is there for the other in case of a crisis. After all, having many virtual friends on social media isn’t a substitute for real friends. That virtual existence leads to deeper social isolation.

The comparison factor

Browsing through social media can potentially ruin your self-esteem and confidence because, by the look of things, everyone out there is doing better than you in all aspects of life. Everyone seems happier than you, in a better relationship than you, love their job more as compared to you, and have all the good things in life. That comparison mentality leads to depression in more people than in real-life comparison.

Research also shows that people get depressed when they feel like their social media friends are doing worse than them. This form of comparison often makes people feel better about their lives in real life, but it appears to be different in social media spheres. It seems like social media “friends” feel better when they are all at the same social level, maybe because they are able to engage more “productively” that way.

Envy and jealousy

After comparing your life with your friends’ on social media, you will envy them if they seem to be better and happier than you are. If that envy is not controlled early enough, it grows into jealousy. This is a very unhealthy situation to find yourself in because you can easily become a hater. Sometimes you will be tempted to post jealousy-inducing content on your pages in order to challenge the “friend”. And if the friend gets equally jealous, chances are that he or she will post a photo or a story that will induce jealousy in you. In the long run, you will have a group of jealousy friends trying to outdoor one another; a vicious cycle of malice. If you feel like your content isn’t causing enough jealous on the other end, you can easily be depressed.

Sleep deprivation

A normal adult should sleep for at least 6 hours at night. This is, however, almost impossible now because people are chatting for hours. People are even waking up in the middle of the night to check how their posts are doing online.

Sleep deprivation can cause depression in too many ways. First, your colleagues in the workplace are sleep deprived just like you meaning that everyone is tired and unhappy. The office stays moody for the entire day, aggravating your loneliness.

Secondly, sleep deprivation affects how your body responds to workday activities. If you love the gym, for example, poor sleep will lower your workout enthusiasm and results. Lastly, poor sleep lowers your immune system. If you get sick, you stress out and hate your life, and that isn’t good for your mental health.

Conclusion

Although scientists and psychologists are still trying to figure out how social media relates to the sudden rise of depression cases among the youth, it is important that you find help if you are seeing any signs of depression and loneliness.