Ergonomics in Elementary School: A Multifaceted Approach for Laptop Computers in the Classroom

Abstract

With more than half of US primary and secondary school students using Google education apps in the classroom, the programmatic use of technology starting at an early age needs ergonomics attention. Many students will have at least 14 years of exposure to personal technology before they enter the workforce. Most of their parents had less than 5 years of exposure prior to beginning their careers and musculoskeletal disorders still account for about 30% of workplace injuries in the US. This paper illustrates a program to bring computer ergonomics education to an elementary school that issues Chromebook computers to every 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade student. Communication with the staff, children and parents is discussed, along with ideas for equipment funding and specific tips on coaching the students. To protect today’s students and tomorrow’s workers, a multifaceted approach of engineering, administrative and work-practice controls is needed for early development of lifelong healthy habits.