Re: [Fwd: Re: GRE PROGRAM] - my 2nd email to GRE

You could go to a school that doesn't require such a stupid (for more
reasons than this one) test. This is a rather natural solution; if everyone
did that, ETS would go out of business.

On Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 12:16 AM, Paul Martzen <[email protected]>wrote:

>
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: GRE PROGRAM
> Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:11:56 -0700
> From: Paul Martzen <[email protected] <paul_martzen%40yahoo.com>>
> To: GRE <[email protected] <gre-info%40ets.org>>
> References: <[email protected]<2832316.1224856271559.JavaMail.gre-info%40ets.org>
> >
>
> I was hoping for a more encouraging response.
>
> The Dvorak keyboard layout was designed to be the most comfortable and
> efficient layout on standard keyboards. It is named after August Dvorak
> who researched typing efficiency and comfort before settling on this
> design.
>
> Dvorak is now a standard layout easily available in the software
> settings on all modern computer operating systems. Inexpensive Dvorak
> labeled keyboards or key overlays are commonly available. Keyboards
> which are hardwired to switch between Dvorak and Qwerty are available.
> Making the Dvorak option available to any computer user who needs to use
> it, is a trivial matter. Increasing numbers of typists are learning
> and converting to Dvorak. Arbitrary discrimination against Dvorak
> users by companies such as ETS is a big roadblock to more typists using
> this easier layout.
>
> Those of us who choose to use the Dvorak layout do so for varied but
> important and legitimate reasons. Comfort and ease of learning are
> important to many. Reduction of repetitive stress injuries (rsi) is a
> concern for others. Two factors are especially important to me. Typing
> on a Qwerty layout has always felt tremendously awkward and confusing
> for me and I have never been able to touch type on that layout.
> However, when I tried the Dvorak layout, it quickly made sense and felt
> logical and comfortable to me. I am able to touch type on the Dvorak
> layout where I never could on Qwerty.
>
> Once a typist chooses to use Dvorak over Qwerty and has used it
> exclusively for many years, it becomes difficult and objectionable to be
> forced to type in Qwerty, especially when there is no legitimate reason
> to do so. Forcing me to type with the Qwerty layout is an arbitrary
> discrimination against me and puts me at a disadvantage compared to
> those who are typing on their preferred layout. It would be the same
> if you arbitrarily forced Qwerty users to type on the Dvorak layout.
> They would strongly object. Even though a great many more people would
> object to typing on the Dvorak layout, their objections would be the
> same as my objection to typing on the Qwerty layout.
>
> It would be extremely easy for the GRE to offer the Dvorak layout option
> to test takers who need to use it. The cost to ETS for such an
> accommodation is likely to be miniscule. I can think of no pragmatic
> reason that you do not offer this option, so I assume that not enough
> people have complained about this failure. I do consider the lack of a
> Dvorak option to be a failure on the part of ETS and I will continue to
> complain about it.
>
> Paul Martzen
>
> GRE wrote:
> > Thank you for contacting the GRE Program.
> >
> > Dear Paul,
> >
> > Regarding your inquiry:
> >
> > The GRE Test is administered on a standard English language (QWERTY)
> computer keyboard. QWERTY is the most common modern-day keyboard layout on
> English language computer keyboards. It takes its name from the first six
> letters displayed at the top of the keyboard. We recommend that test takers
> practice typing on a QWERTY computer keyboard before taking the GRE.
> >
> > Thank you for your inquiry. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
> >
> > If you have additional questions, please contact our Customer Service
> team at (866) 473-4373 or (609) 771-7670, or visit our Web site at
> www.gre.org. If you contact us via e-mail, please include all previous
> correspondence or a summary of information regarding your inquiry.
> >
> > ETS is committed to improving your customer service experience. Please
> take a moment and complete a short Customer Service Survey at
> http://surveys1013.websurveyor.net/wsb.dll/bfried/ETSProgramEmail.htm?WSB36=GREso that we may identify ways to improve our service to you. If you're unable
> to access the survey by clicking on the link, please copy the entire link
> and paste it into the address bar of your web browser.
> >
> > Thank you in advance for your participation.
>
>  
>


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