Computer ergonomics: experiences of the grade one learners in Gauetng online computer laboratory

The study aims at determining how the aspects of the computer hardware and the furniture affect the experiences of the Grade one learners in the computer laboratory in a Gauteng school. Qualitative data has been used, that is, data was collected through interviews, observation, measurements and literature review. The findings indicate that the learners’ health is at risk as the computer workstations in the computer laboratory in a Gauteng school are not ergonomically designed to suit these learners, and the workstations too large. For learners not to be exposed to Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSD), wrist pains, and vision problems, that may accumulate as a result of the strain they are subjected to when using a workstation not designed for their physique, the workstation in a Gauteng school will have to be adjusted accordingly. However, adjusting the hardware and furniture without the knowledge of using them safely is detrimental to their health. Learners and educators have to be taught ergonomics. Incorporating ergonomics as a theme in the curriculum would be the best option. A casual reminder by educators to the learners to enforce practicing ergonomics when working on the computers would gradually develop safe working practices and save the learner from upper limbs injuriesProf. D. Van der Westhuize