It's me again and it's another weekend poring over this Masters - better be worth it at the end!
Had a surprise mid-week when I found out about the online debate (see closed group discussion) but having fun now trying to get involved.
Anyway, better get back to it but I'll just leave you with my activity regarding ergonomics...
Michael
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Activity 2.4
• Compare the ergonomics of your usual computer work environment with the points made in the elected readings. How well does it rate? Post your response to the discussion board.
After reading all the ergonomics articles and posts on the forums, I was surprised at the range of importance that this is taken into account at various schools and universities.
As far as I’m concerned, the idea of ergonomics has never explicitly been taken into account in my particular department and that’s most probably because there is a department responsible for purchasing IT equipment and furniture (and it’s taken for granted).
Looking at the article “Ergonomics Guide and Tips for Computer Users”, I was amazed to find the different workstation layouts for varying tasks. What if your job involves an equal combination of data entry, data retrieval, word processing and graphic design? Does that mean we keep on configuring our workstations to suit each task? I’m sure my boss would have something to say to that…
My office workstation is as follows:
• An L-shaped desk with a huge 19” widescreen LCD monitor right at the centre of the L-junction. It’s a great ‘little’ monitor (Samsung SyncMaster) because you can swivel the monitor to have widescreen (landscape) or portrait views!
• The monitor directly faces the window but that’s okay because I’m too far away from it to cause glare and the lone window is fitted with blinds. Even with the blinds open, there wouldn’t be enough natural light to light up the room.
• The actual desktop computer is situated to the left of the monitor. Before I had it on the floor to give me more desk space but I moved it to the desk because it was a pain to keep on crouching down just to plug in external devices.
• To the left of the computer is the telephone followed by a laser printer and flatbed scanner.
• To the right of the monitor is my writing space and general accumulated ‘junk’ area!
• I have use of an adjustable keyboard tray (situated at the 90 degrees corner) and attached mouse platform (which is slightly lower than the keyboard tray) but I don’t use it because it’s just too low even though it’s height and length adjustable. When I did use it before, I kept on having to look down (at an angle of more than 45 degrees) at the keyboard and I’m sure that can’t be too good for my neck – maybe I should learn how to touch type but I’m happy with my typing speed! So the keyboard and mouse is placed in front of the monitor with the adjustable swivel chair set at the highest height with a little bit of room to write and place documents.
• The chair is of the highest quality with “adjustable seat height, back rest, back tilt, ability to swivel, arm rests” and “upholstered with non-slip, moisture-absorbing material”.
• We have document holders available but I don’t make use of it – to me they’re more used for data entry/retrieval jobs.
• There are no task lights as the overhead lights are ample.
• The monitor contrast is set at default, ie. I have never touched it but will probably do so now to reduce future eye and vision problems!
• I have thought of using a wrist rest because after extended periods of keying, I do get some niggling pain around the wrist area but when I’ve tried it in the shops, it feels unnatural and uncomfortable. Guess it’s like medicine – tastes bad but it’s good for ya!
Rating my computer workstation against the checklist in “Ergonomics Guide and Tips for Computer Users”, I would say it rates more than 90% in favour!
• Compare the workstations available for your students with the readings and comment on the long term effects and possible litigation issues. Post your response to the discussion board, and respond to other student comments.
The workstations available for students in the Multimedia Centre would also rate very favourably with the checklist in “Ergonomics Guide and Tips for Computer Users” although there are no keyboard trays and the computer is placed on a sliding tray at floor level.
Perhaps we could have a list of DOs and DON’Ts for students using computers, eg. get up and move your body every 30 to 60 minutes (I should do that myself!)
I can’t see any long term effects or possible litigation issues as all our students are adults and the ones we deal with are working professionals taking part-time English courses.
• In your context groups (Early childhood, primary etc), create a proposal regarding the ergonomic issues for your staff. Use information in your reading and the additional web resources provided for assistance. Use the context forum for your small group discussion and send a summary to the general discussion board identifying your group in the subject. Consider the similarities and differences between the groups and suggest reasons for them.
I think after reading my account of the ergonomics of my work environment, a proposal is not really required or would anyone beg to differ? HK is a society of rules and regulations and they have certainly followed the large majority of the guidelines related to computer ergonomics.
Michael
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