1. An apparatus for use in teaching, comprising: a series set of printed sheets carrying information for use in teaching shorthand each set including a lesson page, a page printed with text, a page printed with a shorthand version of said text, and at least a partially blank sheet wherein each set is progressively more difficult; a keyboard having its keys marked with symbols which include those related to the said shorthand teaching sheets; a computer; and program means in said computer, to program the computer in relation to said information to check the accuracy of a student's transcription of at least part of the information by indicating the performance of the student.