The shift towards mobile devices has significantly impacted typing proficiency among younger generations. On the Canvas learning platform, 39% of student assignments were submitted via mobile devices between March and May 2024, contrasting sharply with teachers who completed over 90% of their work on computers1. Many Gen Z students struggle with basic keyboard skills, with some still watching their hands as they type, indicating a lack of confidence and familiarity with physical keyboards2. This decline in typing ability is particularly concerning as keyboard proficiency remains crucial in many academic and professional settings2.

Several factors contribute to the decline in keyboard typing skills among Gen Z:

• Increased reliance on touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets, which require different typing techniques12

• Removal of formal typing instruction from many school curricula, with educators assuming students will naturally acquire skills through device usage13

• Preference for mobile devices over traditional computers for many tasks, limiting exposure to physical keyboards24

• Shift towards voice-to-text and predictive text technologies, reducing the need for manual typing in everyday communication3

This combination of technological shifts and educational changes has led to a generation more adept at swiping and tapping than traditional touch-typing methods.

As standardized tests increasingly move to computer-based formats, students with poor typing skills may find themselves at a significant disadvantage. The shift to digital exams has prompted renewed interest in typing curricula, particularly in states like New York and Texas that have adopted computer-based testing1. Tim Dikun, COO of Teaching.com (parent company of Typing.com), reports an increased demand for typing instruction in these areas1. This trend highlights how keyboard proficiency can directly impact academic performance, with students who struggle to type potentially losing valuable time focusing on the keyboard rather than the exam content2.

Some educators are taking proactive steps to address the typing skills gap among Gen Z students. Initiatives include introducing typing competitions, like Christine Mueller's "Key Bee" in Oklahoma City, and providing formal instruction when students receive school-issued devices1. Additionally, some Gen Z students are recognizing the importance of keyboard proficiency and taking it upon themselves to improve their skills. For instance, 17-year-old Rueben Tasler told the Wall Street Journal that he's working to teach himself to type in preparation for college2. These efforts aim to bridge the divide between mobile device proficiency and traditional keyboard skills, ensuring students are better prepared for academic and professional environments that still rely heavily on computer-based work.