Overview
Free writing sessions are an opportunity to apply typing skills and compose an original text inside the program.
Users can choose from short (5 min), medium (10 min), long (15 min) sessions or untimed
Topic suggestions are available, or learners can generate an image to describe
At the end of the session, feedback is given on the number of words typed, the average length of these words, the average typing speed, and the number of words from the TTRS course that were correctly spelled
Free writing pieces can be saved, edited, printed and/or shared
Administrators can review student writing and leave comments
Why use free writing over a word processor?
Free writing sessions are a first step for emerging touch-typists. Writing inside the TTRS program bridges the gap between learning to type using structured exercises and applying touch-typing skills to express original ideas.
They are also a great way to put spelling skills to the test. Measure success with reporting features that show the number of words from the TTRS course that were used and spelled correctly in any given free writing session.
Admin feedback and editing functions encourage a draft-based approach to composition.
Lastly, typing in a familiar interface may be more comfortable for users with learning difficulties who require specific display and font settings to make their written work more readable.
How to start a free writing session from a student account
Inside a student account, select Start free writing session.
How to start a free writing session from an Admin/Teacher account
From an admin account, select Free writing in the button on the Main Course levels screen.
Select a session length and then select Start.
An empty screen will appear, and the timer will start.
For ideas on what to write about, select the ? symbol on the top right to bring up a help box which includes the option to view an image.
You can view an image using the View image button under hints. Get a better look with the magnifying glass tool. You might choose to describe the image in your writing or to create a storyline that goes with it. Select Show another image to view something different.
You can hide the timer by clicking on it and bring it back by clicking on the stopwatch.
At the end of the free writing session, a report will appear with the total number of words typed, the average characters per word, the number of TTRS words used, words spelled correctly, and the average typing speed.
Please note that if you choose 5, 10 or 15 minutes, you will need to wait for the timer to finish completely before you receive the screen below. If you choose untimed, you can click on I'm done, after 1 minute.
The user can give the work a title, share, print or download the work, and save and quit.
How to access free writing reports from a student account
Select My stats at the top menu and then select Free writing.
How to access free writing reports from an Administrator account
Select a student profile and then select Free writing to view overall statistics from a student's total free writing sessions.
Use the dropdown menu to view reports for individual writing sessions and select target dates.
Select a session to view stats. You can also view the piece, print it and leave feedback.
Add feedback to student writing sessions
Leave a comment on the right-hand side of a student's work, and they will be notified and prompted to view feedback when they log in again.
To leave a comment, select All sessions on the dropdown menu, then choose the one you want to give feedback on.
