Google’s Morse Typing Trainer— EdTech Review
Morse Code Today
Morse code is alive and well. It turns out a communication system only requiring two separate inputs has a number of use-cases that modern technology cannot replace. This is especially true for people whose movement is impaired.
“Once morse code was incorporated into my life it was a feeling of pure liberation and freedom.” — Tania Finlayson
In response, Google developed a morse keyboard option for mobile devices and partnered with Tania Finlayson to create the Morse Typing Trainer.
This review covers the tips and tricks learning designers can gain from a look at the Morse Typing Trainer.
Morse Typing Trainer
Take a few minutes to experience the Morse Typing Trainer here. (Click Play a demo on desktop). Or watch the video below.
Learning Objective: “…make learning Morse code more fun and encourage people to keep at it.”
Time: 1–2 hours
Pros
Image Mnemonics— Images make each morse character memorable. It surprised me how vividly a system consisting of dots and dashes could be represented. This is a great example of how graphics can enhance the learning experience, instead of just decorating it. See the images for “A B C” below.
Following completion of the alphabet, this pattern continues for memorizing Morse numbers.
Fluency > Recall —Learners have a few seconds to enter their response before the correct answer is displayed. I felt rushed at first, but it shifted my focus to developing fluency instead of just recall.
Progress indicator — Letters at the top of the screen gradually fade in with correct responses. This is a clever way to provide feedback without getting bogged down in the details of defining arbitrary percentages and milestones.
Scaffolding — New characters are presented in order of simplicity. For example, E is taught before B and so forth. This is both motivating and a helpful way to introduce the process of memorizing series of dots and dashes.
Additional resources — Google provides developer resources, printable flashcards, and additional Morse games giving several options to those who wish to continue learning.
Cons
Accessibility — Nearly every element on the page fails accessibility standards. Increasing the size and contrast of the text would greatly improve the product's usability, specifically for those who can’t hold screens up close.
The fading letters at the top of the screen will never be fully accessible. However, a few tweaks could at least ensure completed characters meet accessibility standards.
Indicate “Progress saved”— After 45 minutes, I realized there was no way to save my progress. I later discovered my progress had already been saved, I just didn’t know it. Something like the image below could save future learners from a minor panic attack.
Review option — Unless someone has about an hour to sit and focus solely on Morse code, the experience will likely be broken up across multiple sessions. Having an option to practice previously learned words would be a helpful review and increase the product’s replayability.
Overall
With no immediate use for Morse code, I easily spent nearly an hour learning it! When I asked my wife to give it a try, she played through the entire alphabet in a single sitting. Now we’re scheming of ways to incorporate Morse code into our daily life. If I ever design for a similar type of learning outcome, I’ll be referring back to the Morse Typing Trainer.
…. .- -. -.- … / ..-. — — .-. / .-. . .- -.. .. -. — .
Let me know your thoughts below or reach out on Twitter!
UPDATE: A congratulatory message displays after completing the alphabet!…just don’t click anywhere or the message goes away 😭. I’d love a screenshot if this post motivates any of you to get that far.
