How to Create Accounts Quickly with the Student Import Tool

As a busy teacher, it is important to save time whenever possible. One way to do that, while creating accounts on TypingWeb, is to use the Student Import Tool. However, we find that many teachers pass on this time saving opportunity because they are not sure how the tool works and fear they will waste more time than they’ll save. We are happy to offer this detailed explanation on how to successfully use the Student Import Tool to help you create student accounts quickly.

Creating Your Spreadsheet
To import student accounts, you must start by creating the proper file. Create a list of usernames and passwords in a spreadsheet program (like Microsoft Excel). List the data in this order: username, password, first name, last name, email (note that only the username and password are required). Column A should contain the username, column B the password, column C the first name, and so on. Be careful not to include a space at the end of the username as this will result in an error when importing the file. Once the list is complete, save the file as a Comma Delimited (.CSV) file. Do not save it as the default .XLS version. For teachers that plan on grouping their students into classes, repeat this process and create separate files for each class. Note: Do not create multiple tabs within a single file.

To verify that you saved the file in the correct format, you can open it again and expect it to look like this.

Importing Your .CSV File

You are now ready to import your roster. First create the desired number of classes on the Classes tab (if you plan to group your students). Go to the Students tab and click the ‘Create New Students’ button, then click the ‘Go to Import Tool’ button. Browse for the .CSV file you just saved. Pick the desired class name from the drop down menu and click the ‘Begin Import’ button. A list of student usernames will appear quickly with green check marks next to them. If a red X appears next to a username, it is either already taken or does not meet the standard criteria (such as no spaces, no strange symbols). Go back to your .CSV file, edit the username appropriately and re-import the file. Once the red Xs have disappeared, click the ‘Create Students’ button and the new accounts will be added to your Students tab automatically. Repeat for all files and classes.

Usernames and Passwords
TypingWeb uses a shared set of usernames between all accounts. If you plan on using a common format with first and last names or initials, we suggest prefixing them with something unique such as a school name’s acronym, for example: ucla.ftwtest123. This will lessen the chance of the usernames being unavailable. Usernames must be a minimum of four characters long with a maximum of 30 characters, and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores ( _ ) and one period ( . ). Passwords are case sensitive and can be any character length. Passwords are encrypted for security and not available in plain text anywhere on the site. Keep a record of the passwords you assign to your students while creating their accounts.

Wasn’t that easy? We hope this step by step tutorial will encourage you to take advantage of the Student Import Tool to save valuable time.