Activity

Computer Numpad Part 1: Learning the Numpad

Why should you teach students to use a numpad?

Ringers on a numpad (numeric keyboard)

A tech savvy colleague once told me that he would never purchase a computer that did not have a built-in numpad. As an educator with vision, I had never considered the benefits of a keyboard with a numpad for students. Personally, I rarely use a computer numpad; although, my husband, who has a career revolving around numbers and spreadsheets, is a wizard at using a numpad. Why would a numpad be a critical tool for a student who uses JAWS or NVDA?

What is a computer numpad?

A numpad is also known as a number pad, numeric keypad or ten key. It is usually palm-sized and typically has 17 keys; numpads are typically located on the far right side of a computer keyboard. Numpads are designed for entering large amounts of numbers quickly. JAWS and NVDA take advantage of numpads, using these keys for screen reader navigation shortcuts.

Note: Not all computer keyboards have a numpad. Bluetooth keyboards are available with numpads and separate external numpad keyboards (both wired and Bluetooth) are available for computers and tablets.

If using a Mac computer (and external numpad), enable Numpad Commander. (See Apple’s VoiceOver User Guide for details.)

Numpad Layouts

There are two different numpad layouts: 1, 2, 3 on the top row or 1, 2, 3 on the bottom.

Mobile phones and ATM machines are examples of numpads with 1, 2, 3 on the top row. The image below is a screenshot of the four row, 3 column numpad screen used when dialing a mobile phone. This image has 1, 2, 3 in the top row, 4, 5, 6, in the second row, 7, 8, 9 in the third row and *, 0, # in the bottom row.

mobile phone numpad

The standard numpad on a computer is a 5 row, 4 column grid with Numlock, /, *, – in the top row. 7, 8, 9 with the top half of the + key are in the second row. 4, 5, 6 with the bottom half of the + key are in the third row. 1, 2, 3 and top half of the Enter key are in the fourth row. The 0 key (takes up the first two spaces), delete key, and bottom half of the Enter key are in the bottom row.

All computer numpads have 1, 2, 3 on the bottom of the number keypad; however, some computer keypads may have extra symbol keys.

Note: The + and Enter keys cover two rows and the 0 key covers two columns.

The image below is a computer numpad keyboard.

Standard computer numpad

Teaching numpads

Numpads are used in daily living: Making phone calls, paying at checkout registers, bank machines, calculators and shortcut screen reader commands are just a few examples. Students begin using calculators in elementary school. Have you specifically taught your student about numpads? O&M instructors, are you incorporating numpads in your community lessons?

Learning numeric keypad layout: Activities has wonderful suggestions for introducing numpads to BLV students.

Part 2 in this numpad series will discuss NVDA numpad commands (and simple tricks to remember these commands). Computer numpad part 2: NVDA review cursor video tutorial post.

by Diane Brauner

Back to Paths to Technology’s Home page

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
EPIQ logo
Event

EPIQ (Experience Programming in Quorum) 2024

Solar eclipse diagram with the moon between the sun and earth.
Activity

Break the Braille code: Solar eclipse resource

Colorful swirled large lollipop
Activity

Lollipop garden activities