Here is our guide to playing online typing races with remote teams.
We put this guide together after a decade of designing fun ways for remote teams to bond.
Doing an online typing race virtually with teams is a fast-paced and engaging activity. Participants compete to type a given text accurately and quickly. This exercise fosters camaraderie and collaboration among team members as they work together to achieve a common goal, enhancing communication and teamwork skills in a fun and interactive way. By participating in this game as a team, members improve their typing speed and accuracy and strengthen their bonds and solidarity.
Ideal group size:
4 to 10 players
Activity duration:
1 to 5 minutes
Cost:
Free
What you’ll need:
- Computers or laptops for each participant
- Keyboards and mice
- Online typing race platform or software (e.g., TypeRacer, Keybr.com, or custom-made solutions)
- Communication tools for team interaction (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Slack)
How to do it:
Step 1: Choose an Online Typing Race Platform
First, select a suitable platform to host the typing race, such as TypeRacer or Keybr.com. It is important to ensure the platform supports multiplayer functionality for team-based competition.
Step 2: Set Up Teams
Next, divide participants into teams of equal size. Be sure to encourage diversity within teams to foster collaboration and inclusivity.
Step 3: Explain the Rules
Before the game, provide a brief overview of the rules, including how the typing race works, the scoring system, and any penalties for errors. Be sure to keep the instructions concise to avoid confusion.
Step 4: Start the Typing Race
You can start the typing race on the chosen platform, ensuring all participants are ready to begin. If necessary, start with a practice round to familiarize teams with the format.
Step 5: Monitor Progress
Throughout the race, keep track of each team’s progress. Participants can support and motivate each other as they type.
Step 6: Declare a Winner
Once all teams have completed the race, determine the winner based on accuracy and speed. You can celebrate the winning team’s achievements and acknowledge the efforts of all participants.
Step 7: Encourage Continued Practice
After the race, emphasize the importance of practicing typing skills regularly to improve speed and accuracy. You can recommend resources or exercises for further skill development.
Step 8: Foster Team Bonding
You can use the typing race as an opportunity to strengthen team bonds and camaraderie. Participants can engage in friendly competition and support each other’s growth.
Typing race websites:
- TypeRacer: TypeRacer is one of the most popular typing race platforms. Players compete in real-time races by typing excerpts from various texts. The site offers multiplayer functionality and tracks typing speed and accuracy.
- Nitro Type: Nitro Type is a typing race game with a racing theme. Players compete by typing paragraphs to move their car forward in a race. The game emphasizes improving typing speed while offering a fun and competitive experience.
- 10FastFingers: 10FastFingers provides typing tests and multiplayer typing races. This site offers a variety of languages and difficulty levels to suit different skill levels and preferences.
- Keybr.com: Keybr.com is a typing tutor website that offers typing lessons and exercises to improve typing speed and accuracy. This site also includes typing races where players can compete against each other.
- TypeDojo: TypeDojo offers typing games and exercises to help users improve their typing skills. The website features a variety of challenges, including typing races, to keep users engaged and motivated.
- TypingClub: TypingClub is an online typing tutor that offers lessons, exercises, and games to improve typing skills. The site’s interactive learning experience includes typing races.
- Typing.com: Typing.com offers typing lessons, tests, and games for users of all ages and skill levels. The site provides a comprehensive curriculum and features typing races to challenge users’ speed and accuracy.
- TypingTest.com: TypingTest.com offers typing tests and races to assess and improve typing skills. The website provides instant feedback on typing speed and accuracy and offers a variety of texts to type.
- Ratatype: Ratatype offers typing lessons, tests, and races to help users enhance their typing proficiency. The program features a user-friendly interface and provides personalized typing statistics to track progress over time.
Tips:
- Focus on accuracy first, then gradually increase speed to avoid errors that can slow you down.
- Use proper typing posture and technique to maximize speed and minimize fatigue.
- Scan ahead for upcoming words or phrases to maintain a steady typing flow.
- Practice typing common letter combinations and words to improve muscle memory and speed.
- Minimize distractions and create a conducive typing environment for better concentration.
- Take short breaks between races to rest your hands and prevent fatigue or strain.
- Adjust keyboard settings and preferences to suit your typing style and comfort.
- Utilize keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys to navigate between words or correct mistakes quickly.
- Stay relaxed and maintain a steady rhythm to sustain typing speed over long races.
- Review your performance after each race to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
Final Thoughts
Online typing races offer an exciting opportunity for remote teams to engage in friendly competition while honing essential typing skills. Through this fast-paced and interactive activity, team members can strengthen bonds, improve communication, and foster a sense of camaraderie. Plus, participants will be able to improve their typing speed!
Want more ideas? Check out our post on online office games.