Why should a student learn typing?
Courses are increasingly digital. Whether for taking notes in lectures, writing essays or typing a 100-page thesis, typing speed makes a real difference. A student at 60 WPM captures the essence of the course live. A student at 25 WPM only catches fragments.
Is typing notes better than handwriting?
Studies are nuanced on the subject. Handwriting favors memorization for conceptual courses. But fast typing is unbeatable for factual courses, tutorials, research and writing long documents. The ideal is to master both and choose according to context.
When to start practicing?
As early as possible. Ideally in middle or high school, but it's never too late. A freshman who invests 1 month in typing skills recoups that effort over 5+ years of studies. It's the best invested time / time saved ratio of the entire curriculum.