Keyboarding refers to the use of a keyboard device (such as on a computer or typewriter) for entering data, producing business documents, and facilitating communication.

In business studies, the term keyboard as a communication tool means using the keyboard not only to type letters, but also to create documents, send messages, produce reports, and enable effective communication in business.

Using a keyboard for business communication has several benefits:

1. It helps you to produce business documents (letters, memos, and reports) faster than handwriting.


2. It helps you to produce neat, clear, and professional documents that improve business communication and image.


3. It helps you to enhance communication skills and increase productivity in offices and organizations.


4. It helps you to support digital communication such as emails and online forms.


5. It helps you to maintain proper documentation and record-keeping which is essential for business success.

To use the keyboard effectively as a communication tool, it is important to know its parts and their functions. Some main parts include:

1. Alphabetical keys: For letters (A-Z).


2. Numerical keys: For numbers (0-9).


3. Special character keys: For symbols such as !, @, #, $, %, etc.


4. Function keys: F1 to F12, used for commands.


5. Control keys: Ctrl, Alt, and Shift.


6. Basic service keys: Space bar, Tab, Caps Lock, Enter, Delete, and Arrow keys.

Knowing these parts is important because the keyboard is the main input device and plays a central role in communication through digital documents.

Using a keyboard effectively also involves correct techniques and posture. Important aspects include:

1. Correct finger placement on the home row keys (“ASDF” for the left hand and “;LKJ” for the right hand).


2. Correct sitting posture: back straight, feet flat on the floor, wrists straight, and eyes focused on the screen instead of the keyboard.


3. Using a soft touch (not pressing the keys too hard).


4. Developing both speed and accuracy.


5. Practising regularly to improve typing efficiency, which helps in better communication.

Keyboarding becomes a communication tool when it is used to create and send business documents and messages. Students are expected to use the keyboard to:

1. Type business letters, memos, and reports.


2. Create tables and simple tabulations in documents.


3. Use correct spacing, punctuation, and layout to make documents professional and easy to read.

In business studies, the keyboard is therefore not just a typing device, but a tool for communicating information clearly, correctly, and professionally.

1. Faster preparation of business documents.


2. Improved accuracy and neatness.


3. More professional appearance of business communication.


4. Encourages digital communication through emails and word processing.


5. Enhances productivity in business operations.


6. Helps in data entry, tabulation, and record-keeping.

1. Poor posture or wrong finger placement can lead to tiredness or injury.


2. Incorrect techniques can reduce typing speed and accuracy.


3. Neglecting correct spacing and punctuation can make documents unprofessional.


4. Lack of keyboarding skills can slow down communication in the office.

Meaning:

Printer’s correction signs (also called proof-reader’s marks) are special symbols or abbreviations used when a draft (hand-written or typed) needs corrections before the final (fair) copy is produced. They instruct the typist or printer on what changes to make.

Importance:

1. They ensure the final document is free from errors.


2. They give clear instructions to the typist or printer, reducing mistakes.


3. They maintain document quality and professionalism.

Common signs and their meanings:

Sign	Meaning
N.P. or //	New paragraph
U.C. / Cap	Change to uppercase letter(s)
l.c. / s.c.	Change to lower case / small capitals
^ (caret)	Insert the word(s)/letter(s) at this point
~text~	Delete the marked text
Stet	Let the text stand (ignore earlier correction)

Usage in practice:

1. Proof-reader marks a manuscript with the correction signs.


2. The typist reads the signs and makes changes in the fair copy.


3. The final copy is checked again to ensure all corrections were applied.

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Meaning:

Speed in typing means how many words a typist can type per minute. Accuracy means typing with minimal errors.

Why they matter:

In business, you often have to type documents quickly and correctly. High speed with low accuracy means lots of mistakes; high accuracy with very low speed means delays. Both are undesirable.

How to develop them:

1. Practice drills: alphabet strokes, one-line sentences, timed exercises (for example, 1–10 minutes).


2. Use correct technique (see next topic).


3. Focus on accuracy first (reducing mistakes), then gradually increase speed.


4. Track your words per minute (WPM) and error rate.

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Meaning:

Technique refers to the correct way of using the keyboard: finger placement, posture, key-types, spacing, and so on.

Key elements:

1. Fingers positioned on the “home row” (for example: left hand A S D F, right hand J K L ;).


2. Correct sitting posture: back straight, feet flat, wrists level, view on screen or manuscript, not constantly on keyboard.


3. Use proper spacing, “Enter” key, “Tab” key, margins, and other keyboard utilities.


4. Use soft touch (do not pound keys) to reduce fatigue and errors.

Benefit for business communication:

Better technique leads to more comfortable typing, fewer errors, increased speed, and thus better document production.

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Meaning:

A paragraph is a unit of writing (in a document) dealing with one main idea. Paragraphing is how you break down text into meaningful blocks.

Methods or types:

1. Blocked: All lines start at the left margin; paragraphs separated by a blank line.


2. Indented: The first line of each paragraph is indented (moved inwards); subsequent lines align with the left margin.


3. Hanging: The first line starts at left margin; subsequent lines are indented.

Why it matters:

1. Helps readability and clarity in business documents.


2. Shows organisation of ideas (one idea per paragraph).


3. Proper paragraphing contributes to professional appearance of typed documents.

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Meaning:

Page setup refers to preparing the layout of a document: margins, orientation, spacing, headers or footers, and alignment.

Key components:

1. Margins: Space between text and the edge of the paper (top, bottom, left, right).


2. Orientation: Portrait (vertical) or Landscape (horizontal).


3. Alignment: Left, right, centre, justified text.


4. Spacing: Single, double line spacing; space between paragraphs.


5. Headers or footers: Extra information at the top or bottom of pages (page numbers, titles).

Why it matters:

1. Ensures documents look neat and consistent.


2. It meets business standard document appearance.


3. Poor page setup can distract readers or appear unprofessional.

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Summary

Keyboarding as a communication tool means using a keyboard to input, create, and send business information in document form. It is an important skill in business studies because it connects typing with communication, helps you to produce professional documents, improves productivity, and supports modern digital operations. Knowing the parts of the keyboard, using correct techniques, and paying attention to accuracy and presentation are essential for effective keyboard communication.