Why We Still Teach Kids to Type on the QWERTY Layout: A Different Perspective

Because the QWERTY layout is still the most popular layout.

It would be nice if we could instead be bi-layout, but as someone who has tried that, I can tell you it's very difficult. Many years ago, I tried to switch to the Dvorak layout but since typing is such an important part of my day, I just couldn't stick with it. I kept having to switch back when something needed to be done quickly.

A few years ago, I tried to learn 'workman.' I liked it and got pretty good at it. However, being so fluent in QWERTY, it felt like I was betraying an old friend. It just didn't feel natural to me, despite my proficiency. I ended up switching back.

If I had learned two layouts at the same time, it probably would have seemed more natural.

Why not just teach them another layout and do away with QWERTY?

Because...

The Popularity of QWERTY

Such a huge percentage of the population is familiar with QWERTY. So many devices have QWERTY layouts. Even though studies showing the strengths of other layouts, like the Dvorak layout, are mixed, benefits often depend on what you're using them for or how you're using them.

Variations in Keyboard Layouts

On that last point, there are several variations of the famous Dvorak layout. One general layout, one for left-hand-only use, one for right-hand-only use, etc. Colemak was designed to be easier to switch to, while Workman was designed to optimize finger movement while typing. Each has its purpose.

I don't think a keyboard layout exists that is ideal for all uses. I don't think there could be such a layout. So why not QWERTY since it's already used in most devices with a keyboard, and most people know it?

The Environment We Live In

Sometimes we do things a certain way because of the environment we live in, not because it's the best way to do it. Strangely enough, that may be the best way to do it—to learn what we need to know in our environment rather than the 'better.'

The Case for Maintaining QWERTY

To/Reader: This is simple. Most if not all of the keyboards people will encounter in their lives are QWERTY keyboards, so children get taught how to use them. Until the QWERTY layout is not the most abundant layout of keyboard in the world, we will keep teaching children to type on the QWERTY layout.

Comparative Job Analysis

For example, assume you are advising someone who is equally adept at and equally interested in both Mathematics and Gender Studies about which course they should take. Most would advise Mathematics because the number of jobs which involve mathematics are larger than the number of jobs that involve gender studies—and thus the mathematical one will have more chance of leading to success in the long run.

If you disagree with me on this count, up the number of jobs that Gender Studies are used in. Then, see if that is more than the number in the following list. I only needed a quick Google search to find this, so there may be many more. This is not an exhaustive list.

Animation Anything in the Finance Sector Meteorologist Data Analyst Statistician Operational Research Analyst Energy Analyst Cryptographer Mathematics Teacher (My personal end goal) Fraud Investigator Computer modeller Mathematician / Mathematics Lecturer

While there are certainly gender studies-related careers, the number of positions involving mathematics is overwhelming.