Transcribing Steno into English

I'm in Theory 1 studying StenEd, and we're using the GlobalCat program for our drills, one of which is NoteReader, where we are presented with the steno outline and then need to type in the corresponding English word. When I find that I do this right after I finish a steno drill, I get a little confused with my typing--meaning, I know what the English word is, but when I go to type it on the regular keyboard, I mistype it. One of my classmates says she doesn't bother typing it out; she just says each word to herself in her head, verifies it's correct, and does the whole exercise that way. Is this a better way of going about it, or is it more helpful in the long run to be able to switch between the two easily and quickly?

Since I'm a new student, I'm thinking it might be good for me to absorb the steno keyboard completely without bringing the regular keyboard in as interference, especially when I'm in my "practicing zone". What do you all think?

In ancient times (when I went to school) I transcribed my steno notes on a typewriter that was provided by the school.  Imagine a room filled with noisy typewriters and students  furiously typing from their steno notes at test time.

I feel it is in your best interest as a student to become used to the way you write, going back and forth from the steno outlines and the English transcription. 

As students, we used to joke about the way our spelling seemed to fly out the window.  It's part of the learning process.  Don't worry, it's just a passing phase.

As for your friend, I hope she has a photographic memory.  The last thing you should do as a student is look for shortcuts.  Concentrate on becoming the best writer you can be. 

Good luck!

I remember that happening to me as well in theory.  My brain literally wanted to shut down.  Very weird.  Don't worry.  Keep plugging away and it will pass.