TypingMaster for LMS Setup Guide

Contents

1. Introduction to TypingMaster for LMS
2. Getting started: Create an account
3. Configure courses and create SCOs
3.1 General typing tutor settings
3.2 Course specific settings
3.3 Typing test settings
4. Upload SCORM packages to LMS
4.1 Course descriptions
5. Testing instructions
6. TypingMaster Manager
7. Trial mode

Appendix 1: General settings
Appendix 2: Typing course settings
Appendix 3: Typing test settings
Appendix 4: Result calculation

1. Introduction

TypingMaster for LMS is a version of TypingMaster Online typing tutor. Our online typing tutor is integrated to your LMS by first configuring the typing courses on our server and then importing a SCORM wrapper in your LMS. Once the wrapper is uploaded to the LMS and a typing course is opened, it contacts our fully secured, dedicated online server and launches the typing tutor with your specific settings over the Internet.

If linking to the Internet is allowed from any course in your LMS (such as links to further information on outside websites), running TypingMaster this way will work well.

Using TypingMaster Online to serve the typing tutor to your LMS users gives you all the benefits of a hosted solution where you will not need to install or maintain the software or purchase any patches or upgrades. For the duration of your license all enhancements to the product are immediately available as they are released by TypingMaster.

Another advantage of the hosted solution is that you get additional tools for course configuration and can change course settings any time without needing to update the course package in the LMS.

TypingMaster Online is a secure and reliable service with 99.8% proven uptime since Feb 2004. TypingMaster Online service is constantly monitored from 2 different locations in the USA and the realtime uptime statistics can be viewed at any time by clicking here.

TypingMaster for LMS license models include per user licensing and concurrent user licensing. Both license types are time limited, please contact us for details.

NOTE: In case your LMS is set up so that no traffic to and from the Internet is allowed, you can choose an alternative deployment mode where the entire course is zipped to the course SCO and the course is run completely inside the LMS. This we call the "stand-alone" mode and it needs to be enabled on our account by TypingMaster.

Please note that if stand-alone mode is required, you lose some advanced features such as the detailed study reports, automatic updates and changing course settings without needing to update the LMS setup. Contact us if you need the stand-alone mode to be turned on.

2. Getting started: Create an account

First, you will need to create an account for your school or company on the TypingMaster server. This account is used for configuring the courses, downloading the SCO packages, licensing and to store your custom settings and study data. At your option, the Manager tools can also be used to view detailed study data, independent of your LMS reporting.

If you have already created a trial account, you can skip the following steps and go directly to course configuration.

1. Go to http://online.typingmaster.com/lms/tmsetup/createaccount

2. Create admin ID and password and give company contact information for technical support purposes

3. Configure regional settings: default language, available course languages and unit for typing speed measurement (WPM=words per minute, CPM=characters/keystrokes per minute).

4. Account setup is now completed. Bookmark the link to your TypingMaster for LMS account to your favorites so that it can be easily located afterwards. You will also receive the link and your login ID by email.

Requirements: Taking the typing courses requires Java 1.2 (or newer) capable web browser. You can test if your browser settings allow typing courses to run on our website at:
http://www.typingmaster.com/support/test-tool

On the pages you will be given instructions on what to do if your current browser settings do not allow the courses to run.

3. Configure courses and create SCOs

Now log in to the TypingMaster Manager using the login link and login information you just created. The login link is format:

http://online.typingmaster.com/lms/login?id=xxxxxxxx

where xxxxxxxx is replaced by your account ID.

NOTE: TypingMaster Manager features context sensitive help. You will find a question mark icon next to each setting, click on the icon to open a popup window with details of the particular setting.

3.1 General typing tutor settings

In the Manager, go to the “Settings” tab to check that the typing tutor’s global settings meet your needs. The two settings in particular are good to note. For complete descriptions of the settings, see Appendix 1.

Speed unit The English standard is to use Words per Minute as the speed unit, using standard word lenght of five keystrokes including spaces and punctuation. In Europe, it is more common to use Characters per Minute, but this is entirely up to you. Using WPM is better recognized internationally.

LMS Score Most LMSs return a score for each activity taken. With TypingMaster, a score is returned for each completed typing lesson, where the score is the result from the lesson exam or final test. By default, for all TypingMaster courses LMS score is set to 1 WPM = 1 score, for example, "score: 26" means "26 WPM net/adjusted typing speed".

Alternatively, if you are using characters/keystrokes per minute as the typing speed unit (as is often generally done in Europe) you should change the score system to be 10 CPM/KPM = 1 score, and "score: 26" means "score: 260 CPM/KPM net/adjusted typing speed"). In other words, multiplying the score by 10 gives the net typing speed result (multiplication is needed as most LMSs limit the score to max. 100 and giving results in CPM/KPM directly may cause difficulties).

3.2 Course specific settings

Next go to the “Courses” tab to configure your typing courses. For complete description of the available course settings, see Appendix 2.

1. Click on “Edit settings..” to open the "Course settings" window.

2. You can modify
a. General course settings
b. Lesson pass requirements
c. Final test settings (available in Touch Typing and Speed Building courses only)

For instructions on the different settings, see the appendices at the end of this manual, or simply click the question mark icons for details on the particular setting.

NOTE: TypingMaster passes the lesson score to the LMS (net WPM result or net CPM result, depending which speed unit you have selected). We recommend that you do not set a mastery score on the LMS side.

3. Save settings and return to the “Courses” tab.

4. Test the newly configured course by clicking the “Preview course..” button. The Course Preview is a way to see and try out the student side functionality of the courses without needing to upload the course to your LMS yet. You can modify and test all settings before bringing the course to the LMS.

5. Once you have all settings configured and tested, download the SCORM package by clicking on the “Download SCORM Package” button. Be sure to save the package to a location that you can easily find when uploading the course to the LMS.

NOTE: When you use the hosted solution, you only need to download and upload the SCORM package once, changing settings afterwards does not require a new package to the LMS. If you are using the stand-alone mode where full course is imported to the LMS, then you need to re-download and update the course SCO in the LMS every time that settings are changed.

3.3 Typing test settings

In addition to the lesson exams and final tests that are embedded in the courses, you can set up separate typing tests. For example, it is quite common to have a pre-test in the LMS to determine the starting level of your users. Additional typing tests are configured on the "Typing tests" tab and uploaded to the LMS as a separate SCORM package (technically, the typing test is a one lesson/one exercise course).

TypingMaster for LMS features a wealth of typing test texts that can be used and you can also add your own texts to the selection. To preview the texts and add custom texts to the selection, click the "Test texts" link in the Manager.

For complete description of the typing test settings, see Appendix 3.

4. Upload SCORM packages to LMS

Now you can upload the typing course SCORM packages (SCOs) to your LMS following your standard procedure which depends on the LMS in question. Each course will be a separate zip file. Please see your LMS specific manuals for instructions on how to set up learning activities with SCORM content in the LMS.

NOTE: When you use the hosted solution, you only need to upload the SCORM packages to your LMS once. Changing the course settings afterwards with TypingMaster Manager is effective immediately without needing to touch the courses in the LMS. f you are using the stand-alone mode where full course is imported to the LMS, then you need to re-download and update the course SCO in the LMS every time that settings are changed.

4.1 Course descriptions

You can copy the following course descriptions to your LMS or write your own. If you have set lesson or final test pass limits, we recommend that you let the users know in the course description. Also, you can show the set lesson duration in the description. (Replace 'xx' with the pass limit you have set.)

5. Testing instructions

Complete the below process to test the course in your LMS. If you have problems running the course in your LMS, first trouble-shoot with your LMS manufacturer's instructions. If that does not help, send the feedback and Java Console output to java.support@TypingMaster.com.

1. Add the new course to your LMS

- Upload “Touch Typing Course ” into LMS
- Confirm that all 13 lessons appear on LMS in right order
- Assign this new course to a blank “test student”

2. Launch lesson 1

- Open lesson 1. If the applet does not lauch, check that your browser has Java enabled.
- Do not start any exercise yet, instead click the Exit lesson button
- TypingMaster applet should close itself and redirect back to LMS
- If using Java, view the Java Console for possible errors. Compare to the output given in section 5.1.
- Check that LMS displays valid status data: “In progress” (or similar) , Score 0

3. Simulate passing lesson 1

- Complete the exercise 1.7 Lesson Exam
- After completion, write down your Test Result net speed, e.g., 23 WPM or 115 CPM
- Click the Exit lesson button
- TypingMaster applet should close itself and redirect back to LMS
- View the Java Console for possible errors.
- Check that the LMS now displays the same score you jotted down (e.g., 23 or 11 if speed unit CPM/KPM is used) and lesson status “Passed”. Note that some LMSs may update the status data only after you have started a new lesson.

4. Simulate completing the whole course with the final test

- Complete each Lesson Exam (last exercise from each lesson)
- Complete the Final Test
- Again, write down your Test Result
- Click the Exit lesson button
- TypingMaster applet should close itself and redirect back to LMS
- If using Java, view the Java Console for possible errors
- Check that LMS displays the score you got from the final test and status “Passed” for the entire course

5.1 Java Console Output after lesson 1 launch

After 1st launch the following diagnostics output should show in the Java Console:

Typing Master 7.00.698 loading..
1204542955375 [DBscorm] load()
1204542955378 [DBscorm] load(). user name=Administrator, LMS
1204542955381 [DBscorm] Empty new user detected
1204543016324 [DBscorm] save()
1204543016325 [DBscorm] Saving not done - Previous SCORM Score was higher, score=0 keeping old status: incomplete
1204543016345 [DBscorm] saving packed data
1204543016373 [DBscorm] save(): name=Administrator%2C+LMS
1204543016384 [DBscorm] save()
1204543016385 [DBscorm] Saving not done - Previous SCORM Score was higher, score=0 keeping old status: incomplete
1204543016420 [DBscorm] saving packed data

6. TypingMaster Manager

Using TypingMaster Manager after the initial configuration of the typing courses is entirely optional. Once your typing courses are uploaded to the LMS, you do not need to use TypingMaster Manager if changes to the course settings are not required. However, you can choose to use the Manager to follow student progress in more detail than what is provided by your usual LMS tools. Note that student reporting is not available if the stand-alone mode is used.

Course status is stored by the LMS (e.g. not started/incomplete/completed and score) just like for any other courses in your LMS. In addition to the LMS's reporting, detailed study data is stored on our secure server where it can be viewed with the TypingMaster Manager if needed.

Once users have accessed the typing course the first time you will find them in the Manager and can view their study records using the reporting options available. This is an optional feature for you to use, you can simply stick to the LMS reporting and not use the Manager tools after initial course configuration.

Note about Teacher users: If you are using TypingMaster for LMS in the "online mode" where user results are shown on your account, you can add "Teacher users" on your account. These users can access the back-end tools to view student records and change course settings if needed.

7. Trial mode

Trial Mode provides an easy way to evaluate this product before purchasing it. You can create an account and upload trial version course wrappers to your LMS.

In trial mode all the features are fully available for your evaluation. However, users can complete only the first two lessons of the touch typing course and the first lesson in any other courses - the rest of the study material can only be previewed. Once you purchase all course material becomes available.

If you would like to try out the other lessons as well, please request an evaluation license from us.

Upon purchasing your account will be licensed and all courses unlocked without needing to touch the uploaded SCORM packages in your LMS.

Appendix 1: General settings

General settings (or global settings) will affect all users and we recommend configuring the General Settings before deploying the typing tutor in larger scale. It is a good idea to have one administrator responsible for the general settings to avoid confusion.

Appendix 2: Typing course settings

To edit course settings
1. Click on 'Edit Settings' button next to the selected course
2. Edit settings
3. Click "Save" to save changes

Settings are divided into three categories:
- General course settings
- Lesson pass requirements
- Final test settings

General Course Settings

Lesson Pass Requirements

These pass requirements affect the last exercise of each lesson called the Lesson Exam (or Skills Test in the Junior course). If the user does not reach the set typing speed or accuracy, they will not have the lesson marked as completed.

Final Test Settings

NOTE: To mark tests as completed only if they are passed, change the global setting "Use 'Not passed' status" to "Disabled" in general settings.

Appendix 3: Typing test settings

Creating new typing test modules

You can create additional tests on the Typing Tests page or edit and redownload tests that you have created earlier. To create a new typing test:

1. Go to Typing Tests page.
2. Click on 'Add new test'.
3. Modify the test settings.
4. Click on 'Save' to save the test.
5. Download the SCORM package.
6. Upload the typing test SCORM package to your LMS.

NOTE: Typing tests cannot be previewed.

Editing Test Settings

To edit your typing test settings go to the Typing Tests page and click on 'Settings' beside the test you want to modify.

NOTE: To show test status as completed only after they are passed, change the global setting "Use 'Not passed' status" to "Disabled" in general settings.

Test Texts Page

On the Test Texts page you can:

• View the typing test texts in full

• Add and edit your own typing test texts

Note that typing tests are arranged elsewhere int program, not on the test texts page, which is used only to manage the texts.

• Final tests are set in the Course settings

• Pretests and tests outside typing courses can be set up on the Typing Tests page

Viewing a Text

To view the typing test text in full, click on the test name or the "View text" button.

Changing Text Status

When the status is set to 'Freely available' user can choose to use the text in a Lesson Exam/Final Exam providing that in the test settings test text is set to 'User choice'.

If status is set to 'Teacher controlled', text is available only when a teacher particularly selects it to be used in a typing test.

Note: "User choice" / "Freely available" options are not available if TypingMaster for LMS is used in stand-alone mode.

Adding a New Text

1. Click on the "Add custom text" button to open the text edit window
2. Enter test information
3. Copy your chosen text to the Text field
4. Click on "Save" to save the test text and return to Test texts view

Test Text Settings

Deleting Texts

Note: You can only delete custom test texts.

To delete a test text
1. Open the test settings window
2. Click on "Delete text" on the bottom of the page.

Editing and Renaming Texts

To edit or rename a text
1. Click on the "Edit settings"
2. Change name and other settings
3. Click "Save" to save changes

It is not possible to edit the texts that come with the program. However, there is a workaround that you can use. Simply copy the whole text or part of the text and make a custom text out of it. Copy the text or passage of the needed text, select "Add custom text" and paste it to the custom text window. Remember to fill in other text information as well.

TIP: The test texts included in TypingMaster are fairly long to accommodate typing tests up to 30 minutes in duration. Many times, however, the preferred typing test duration is 10 minutes or less. To add more variety to tests, you can copy parts of the existing texts and add them as Custom Text to the selection.

Appendix 4: Result calculation

TypingMaster follows international industrial standards to count typing speed. For written English, the commonly accepted standard is a 5-stroke standard word, including spaces and punctuation marks. This is the default setting in all English language TypingMaster products.

In result calculation this means that 5 keystrokes make one word and 5 keystrokes are deducted for each mistyped word regardless of the number of mistakes in it. If needed, the word length can be changed on the Settings tab (Settings>Study settings>Word length).

Gross typing speed is calculated as follows:
1) Total keystrokes are divided by duration, which gives gross speed in keystrokes per minute (KPM)
2) Gross speed in KPM is divided by the standard word length to get typing speed in Words per Minute (WPM).

Accuracy percentage is calculated using the standard word length. Gross keystrokes is the total number of characters typed. Error penalty is the number of words typed incorrectly times the word length. Net keystrokes equals gross keystrokes minus error penalty. The rate of net keystrokes to gross keystrokes gives accuracy percentage.

Net typing speed is the typing speed with errors counted in the result and is calculated like this:
1) Total keystrokes minus the number of incorrect words times word length, to get the total net keystrokes for the whole test duration.
2) Total net keystrokes is divided by the test duration to get net typing speed in keystrokes per minute. This is divided by the standard word length to get net typing speed in words per minute.

Example of result calculation:

A user completes a typing test with 1750 total keystrokes in 5 minutes and 5 incorrectly typed words. The results are:
- 1750 gross keystrokes, 25 error penalty (5 mistakes * word length 5), 1725 net keystrokes
- Gross typing speed is 70 WPM (350 KPM)
- Net typing speed is 69 WPM (345 KPM)
- Accuracy is 99% (1725/1750*100%)

© TypingMaster Inc. 2011