An electronic learning apparatus and methodology is disclosed wherein answer codes to a plurality of questions or tasks are disposed on the periphery of a disc. The answer codes are photo-optically read from the periphery of the disc as the disc is rotated with the answer thus read being stored in a register. The user inputs a student's answer through a keyboard into a second register. The answer code as read from the disc is compared to the keyed answer from the user to give an indication of correctness or error. The invention also includes a method for teaching arithmetic operations wherein the user must input the nature of the arithmetic operation as well as the result in order to complete the questions. The invention is also characterized in that the keyboard is adapted to be combined with a plurality of keyboard overlays whereby an arbitrary number of associations may be made between the fixed number of keys and an indefinite number of response types.

An electronics device having a removable bezel to facilitate cleaning of a keypad structure. The electronics device includes a housing that defines and encloses an interior of the electronics device. Keys included in a keypad structure are formed on a surface of the housing in a manner such that spaces may exist between the keys and the housing. A pliable structure is positioned over and substantially conforms to the keys and the adjacent portions of the housing so as to cover the opening near the keys and to further seal the housing. A removable bezel covers the keypad structure, including at least a portion of the pliable structure. The bezel has openings through which the keys extend, permitting users to depress keys while the bezel is positioned on the electronics device. The bezel, in combination with the keys, provides a keypad surface that enables users to conveniently enter information into the electronics device. In response, for example, to water, dirt, or dust being exposed to the electronics device, the bezel can be removed to allow access to the keys and the pliable structure, which can then be cleaned as needed.

A keyboard assembly includes a top wall having reciprocatably mounted keys mounted thereon, wherein each of the keys have a concave surface and includes a continuous flexible framework grid in surrounding relationship relative to each of the keys to prevent double strike of keys in use of the keyboard arrangement. A modification of the invention is arranged to include arcuate bumper strips mounted to a top surface of the grid to further direct an individual's fingers into desired individual keys of the keyboard.

An improved opaque computer keyboard cover (10) which covers only the three- or four alpha-numeric rows of the keyboard (12). Function and format keys (12) are not covered which provides a one-size-fits-all design. This configuration eliminates the need to order from 3000 various keyboard cover sizes. This cover is for use in keyboarding instruction and prevents peeking to accelerate user memorization. This cover can also be imprinted with a language option layout or Dvorak keyboard layout thus fully conforming the keyboard layout to one of the 60 or so languages available in the computer operating system keyboard preference options.

A protective cover or boot for a keyboard array is provided which prevents entry of contaminants, such as water, dust and the like into the interior of the keyboard assembly. A membrane of a resilient material, such as a silicone rubber, is used to form a one-piece cover which extends over the keyboard array as well as the obverse face of the keyboard assembly and, in cooperation with a plate, acts as a seal to totally encapsulate the keyboard assembly. The elastomeric cover is formed as a low-cost material of generally uniform thickness and is molded to a shape so as to cover the top portion of the individual keys as well as extend partially down the side walls thereof so as to be spaced from the deck of the keyboard assembly by a distance which is equal to or greater than the length of travel of the key when actuated. The sidewalls of the membrane cover between individual keys are therefore not placed in compression and thus the "touch" and "feel" of the individual keys is retained even though the elastomeric cover is placed in its operative position.