Digital CitizenshipHealth and Wellness

ERGONOMICSfor the K-8 Student

Presented by Kati Searcy

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Who is Kati Searcy?

• Student – VSU – Ed.S. – Instructional Technology

• Grad. May 2010

• Teacher – Mountain Park ES, Roswell– Music – 13 years– Talented/Gifted – 11 years– Professional Learning – 7 years

Trivia • Where was Kati born?

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Choices:Paris (France)Hollywood (California)Valdosta (Georgia)Johannesburg (South Africa)

Photo: http://www.lahomelessblog.org/archive/2008_06_22_archive.html

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And now …

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Focus Question:

What actions can teachers take to ensure proper ergonomics for children using computers?

ObjectivesUnderstand the concept of ergonomics in

general.

Recognize the correct principles of ergonomics for students using computers.

Discuss options available to provide ergonomically-correct accommodations for students.

What is ERGONOMICS?

Ergonomics is the study of physical and psychological components of human work (at school, at home, at a job, and at play)

Let’s Brainstorm (2 mins.)

• Physical and Psychological components of our students’ work

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ERGONOMICS for children

Areas of Ergonomic Concern for

Children

Backpacks should be lighter than 15% of the child’s weight.

Backpacks worn low, near the tailbone, or on just one shoulder are more likely to apply painfully high pressures.

Gaming Systems

“Nintendo Thumb”

(Nintendonitis)

Computers

What are computer ergonomics?

• In order to reduce strain on various parts of the body, adjusting:

MonitorChairMouseKeyboardDesk/Table

ERGONOMICS

What do we get if . . .

•If the monitor is too close or too far away

•If the monitor lighting is too dim

•If the screen flickers•If the screen glares

Photo: http://investigation.discovery.com/resources/ncmec/images/child-at-computer-175.jpg

Eye Strain

• Text on screen should be at or slightly below eye level.

• If looking at a text while typing, a document holder, the same height as the monitor, should be used.

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What do we get if . . .

• Chairs don’t give proper back support

• Chairs are too low or too high• Feet and arms are not supported

Back Problems !!!

• Chairs should provide back support

• Chairs must be the right height• The feet must be supported• The arms must be supported

What do we get if …

•Hands and wrists are not parallel to the floor when typing

•Hands have nowhere to rest (on a desk or on chair arms)

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

So…..let’s review ….

Good Or Bad?

Good or Bad?

Good or Bad?

Good or Bad?

Good or Bad?

Good or Bad?

Good or Bad?

What actions can teachers take to ensure proper ergonomics for children using computers?

OPTION 1

Infinity Station

Fits 1st grade - Adult

Infinity Station

$1,500each

No Cost !!!

A practical, cost-efficient solution

• Firm pillows, phone books or booster seats

• A back cushion, pillow or rolled-up towel in small of back

• 2” between the front edge of the chair and the back of the knees

• Knees at 90° - 120 ° (may require footrest or box)

Teach the Children!

Most classrooms built in the 21st century are NOT designed to be ergonomically appropriate for students. YET…

It IS possible to make a school's computer workstations adjustable for most students when you have only a small budget. SO….

If the desk, chair, or monitor heights do not match the body size of your students, modify them.

Take Action

We, the informed, must now promote professional awareness of classroom ergonomics issues.

It is our responsibility to protect children against known injury risks.

We must ensure that our students acquire life-skills based on sound ergonomic practices

And now . . . .

Are you Smarter than Ribble and Bailey?

A. at home

B. at school

C.at work

D.all of these

Ergonomics is the study of physical and psychological components of human work

Answer is: D

Backpacks, video gaming and computers are the main areas of ergonomic concern for children.

A. backpacks

B. computers

C.video gaming

D.playground equipment

Which one of these is not an area of ergonomic concern for children?

Answer is: D

Ergonomics is the study of physical and psychological components of human work at home, at work, and at school.

A.Monitor/Screen

B. Power Switches

C. Chair/Desk

D.Keyboard/Mouse

In order to reduce strain on the body, all of these components should be adjusted for each individual except:

Answer is: B

The monitor/screen, keyboard, mouse, chair, and table should be adjusted to fit each computer user.

A. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

B. Eye strain and vision problems

C.Backaches and Muscle Spasms

D.H1N1 virus(Swine Flu)

Which of these health problems is not related to ergonomics?

Answer is: D

Although the H1N1 virus can be spread by computer equipment that is not clean, it is not part of the ergonomics discussion.

Discussion Questions (as time permits)

Are teachers modeling the healthy use of equipment?

How do we teach and advocate for ergonomics to – students, parents, other teachers?

How is student achievement increased when a classroom or computer lab is ergonomically sound?

The PowerPoint presentation will be on my wiki.

T H A N K Y O U !!

Kati

Photos obtained from:

• http://www.bettergolfwithfitness.com/.a/6a00d8341e839953ef01156ee60354970c-800wi

• http://z.hubpages.com/u/986132_f520.jpg

• http://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/cms_files/gallery1364_1.jpg

• http://media.loudounextra.com/img/photos/2009/03/13/10099401H15684042_t764a.JPG

• http://npt08.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/ep_working_blog.jpg

• http://cobbcast.cobbk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/mtb_21cc_2.jpg

• http://www.lib.utexas.edu/ergonomics/images/ergo.jpg

• http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/003/20050822a/7663kid.gif

• http://www.oneinhundred.com/upfiles/upimg0/Right---Carpal-tunnel-syndrome-5289740.jpg