JumpStart Typing

On the positive side, it gives an initial assessment test to determine where your skills are. Then the goals for that user are set based on the assessment. There are a few fun games that use the same skills that are being taught, and the games appear to automatically challenge at a level that matches the skill of the player (again, based on the testing in the lesson part of the program).

My son was a little frustrated early on because the initial assessment test is rather critical to a non-typist. Although the girl in the program says something like "You did great," the low words per minute (WPM) and high number of errors displayed on the screen seem to speak louder than she does and may be somewhat discouraging. But we maintained a positive attitude because I told him it didn't matter how well he did on that test; it only wanted to see his beginning point. It's important for a parent to be involved in order to give encouragement in some places and a push in others. It really enhances the learning and helps to get through the tough spots. And younger kids, of course, enjoy the involvement and interest of their parents.

If the program worked properly, there wouldn't be much of a negative side. The requirement of an older version of Quicktime is a valid concern if you are using a newer version. But I didn't have any version before, so I didn't care whether the game required the current or an older version. But the program does do a system search for other versions before installing Quicktime and tells you that it can't coexist with another version.

I would've probably given the program four stars if not for the fact that it kept crashing when coming out of any of the games. And when it crashes, it forgets the entire session. Which means that any progress gained is lost, and the child must go through the same exercises a second time. The first time this happened, my son begrudgingly went through the beginning lessons AGAIN (I was beside him cheering and encouraging, which helped keep his attitude somewhat positive). But when the program crashed a second time after he had gone through those early lessons the second time, he wasn't the least bit interested in going through them a third time, and I didn't blame him. The crash was effectively punishing him for working hard and doing well.

The bottom line? If you can buy it from someplace where you can return it, take the chance. And if it works on your computer, you've got a good four-start program. If it doesn't work, return it and your losses are minimal. Good luck. But to Knowledge Adventure/Jumpstart: FIVE YEARS is a long time between releases of any program; it's time for a new version, or at least an update.


great typing program   April 30, 2000
82 out of 83 found this review helpful

My children both think this is a great program. My almost-10 year old daughter likes it much more than Mavis Beacon that they use at school and my 7 year old son can even use it. They both have improved their typing skills enormously while having fun at the same time. I'd recommend this program without reservation!


Big gaps   April 28, 2000
72 out of 87 found this review helpful

My daughter is 8 years old, is an A-student, plays piano, is computer literate. Her first efforts with Jump Start Typing resulted in frustration and tears. While the CD-ROM has simple typing exercises, few of the games are geared for beginners. I am a reference editor who works on a computer all day and I had trouble keeping up in the games mode. I switched all of the games to the easiest level and that didn't even help. My daughter does not feel challenged by this; she just doesn't want to play.


Fun and Learn ALOT   December 13, 2000
59 out of 60 found this review helpful

I Loved this program! I started using it and I soon began to become a great typer. It helped me get to 56 wpm! My little brother only used it for awhile and he is one of the fastest typers in his class. (my brother is 9) It has fun games and it is challenging to get you motivated. I also know my younger cousins are having fun with the game too. It has funner games than Mavis Beacon.