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'Pros and cons': Educators weigh up adding touch-typing to school curriculum

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Feb 2026, 6:38pm

'Pros and cons': Educators weigh up adding touch-typing to school curriculum

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Feb 2026, 6:38pm

The role of touch-typing in schools is in the spotlight, as digital testing becomes the norm.

A new NZQA report reveals Education Minister Erica Stanford weighed up adding it to the curriculum last year.

The report doesn’t make a call, instead suggesting technical and cognitive skills be taught across subjects.

Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken says there are pros and cons - and schools are already struggling with an overcrowded curriculum.

"Anybody who's sat exams knows the pressure situations and you're trying to get your ideas down really quickly, and having that ability to type would be an advantage." 

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