Field+Based+Activities+Reflection+VI.D

Standard VI.D is about promoting safe and healthy use of technology resources (Williamson & Redish, 2009). According to the Government Services Administration (2011), " A properly selected chair can reduce the incidence of lower back problems and in conjunction with other devices, aid in the reduction of Carpel Tunnel complaints."

Our school has three computer labs, used by different departments for different purposes. One has adjustable desk heights, as well as adjustible chairs on wheels. Another has adjustible desk heights, and stationary chairs with built in arms. Both these areas are reasonably safe for students back/shoulder health. The other has desks that are not adjustable, with inexpensive (cheap!) staionary chairs. The lab was brand new this year, and the teacher was so happy to get the hardware, that chairs were an afterthought. As part of my technology resource inventory, I noted the inappropriate chair to desk height ratio in that lab, and made recommendations for the replacement of those chairs. I also had a collaborated with the teacher to come up with ideas for improving the situation for the rest of the year. The conclusion was that the chairs could be stacked to increase the height, making them more comfortable for computer work. This is a short term solution until new chairs can be ordered. For future orders, more attention will be given to finding adjustble height desks, and chairs, as well as chairs that move easily so as to easily adjust to correct position in front of the computer.

References

Government Services Administration (2011). So you want an ergonomic chair? Read this first. Retrieved on May 10, 2013 from www.gsa.gov/graphics/fas/ChairGuide2011.doc ‎

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). // ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do  //. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.