Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Practice Good Ergonomics

Introduction
Find out about the latest ergonomic equipment available for computer users.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Key your answers into the spaces provided. After you finish keying, check your work carefully and click Submit. After the activity, be prepared to demonstrate proper keyboarding position to your teacher and classmates.

Review Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to the science of equipment design, especially for the workplace or athletic field. The purpose is to increase productivity by eliminating fatigue (being tired), discomfort, and injury.

Creating a good ergonomic working arrangement is important to protecting your health. For instance, here are some tips to create an ergonomically proper keyboarding station:

ü Position the top of the monitor slightly lower than the top of your head.

ü Center your body in front of the keyboard.

ü Rest your back against the back of the chair; sit up straight.

ü Place your feet flat against the floor or footrest, not dangling or tucked up on the chair.

ü Position your arms so that your shoulders are relaxed, not hunched up.

ü Position your wrists so that they do not rest on the desk and position your fingers so they comfortably hang over the keys.

The Right Equipment You may be familiar with some equipment designed to make a keyboarding desk or workstation more efficient and comfortable. For example, place copy stands next to the monitor to display text vertically. This makes the text more readable, and easier on the eyes and neck. Cushioned wrist pads help lightly hold the wrists at the correct position.

It is sometimes necessary to supplement your keyboarding station with ergonomic equipment that helps to reduce strain while keying. Consider the following list of body parts some of the latest ergonomic equipment:

Hands and WristsKeyboard tray systems provide flexibility and movement for keyboard placement; ergonomic mice provide a more comfortable and efficient grip; and ergonomic keyboards (see image below) provide a more natural spacing of keys that reduce hand, wrist, and forearm stress, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Ergonomic Keyboard*

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* Microsoft product shot reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.

EyesGlare screens reduce the amount of harmful monitor rays, and task lighting provides specific light intensity and movement to reduce eye strain.

Neck and ShouldersMonitor arms and flat panel monitor arms allow greater movement and flexibility for proper monitor placement and angles; document holders (as discussed above) hold text or copy in a vertical position that is easier to read; and headsets/amplifiers can provide a better quality of sound for transcribing recorded audio notes, or dictation.

BackErgonomic desk chairs come in a variety of models that offer excellent back support and positioning; lumbar supports—which are included in many desk chairs—are cushioned pads that provide lower back support in order to discourage slouching; adjustable tables, laptop stands and CPU holders allow keyboarders to easily adjust table—and therefore keyboard and monitor—height for proper ergonomic posture.

FeetFootrests can help stabilize foot position as flat in order to provide comfortable leg and lower back support and avoid dangling or bent feet.

Find Information on a Web Site With your teacher’s permission, use a search engine to find out more about workstation ergonomics. Here are some keywords you might use: ergonomic, equipment, modern.

1			Consider your own personal keyboard station at school or home. What are some ergonomic elements that you feel could be improved upon?
2			What is the proper ergonomic positioning of arms, wrists, and fingers at the keyboard?
3			Identify three pieces of ergonomic equipment available for the hands and wrists.
4			Define lumbar support.
5			Consider your answer to Activity Question #1. What are some items of ergonomic equipment that you feel would improve your personal keyboarding station?