At the risk of being accused of monopolizing this 'thread', I have now come across some info I sent to someone last year, about the 'mechanics' of touch typing, which may be useful to some of you :
QUOTE :
I am using an 'office' computer, not a laptop. A laptop will make touch typing much more difficult, as the keys do not have the proper 'feel', nor the natural 'slope' of a separate keyboard. Also the touch-pad means the letters are a bit further away, which means further to reach for a child. So, if possible use an 'ordinary' computer, rather than a laptop for learning to touch type.
Learn the 'home keys' first, keeping the index fingers on F and J, which should have a raised 'pip' that you can feel, so if fingers get 'lost' try and 'feel' your way back (without looking) via F and J.
Left hand home keys: A S D F G
Right hand home keys: H J K L ;
Try to keep the fingers over the Home Keys all the time, except when a finger is moving up, down, or across to reach a letter.
Keep a slow but even speed, and it can help to 'say' each letter, either in your head, or out loud if no one objects! Keeping a chart of the key layout nearby is better than having to look down at the keys.
When first learning T Y U B N then you can look, and practise the 'feel' of reaching for the more distant letters.
It does not matter how slowly you go at first, but try and let your fingers 'learn' where letters are. If you work through the first words in a lesson 'in order', your fingers soon get used to the 'pattern' of words. Early ones include things like :
SAD DAD HAD A SALAD etc.
Take your time, don't be tempted to rush or cheat. It isn't easy, I admit, but it is worth persevering.
I hope this makes sense, and if you have specific questions let me know and I'll try to help.
UNQUOTE
Good luck folks!