Ergonomics in School Computer Lab: A Malaysian Teachers' Perspective

Abstract

Ergonomic interpreted as a discipline in science and technology that aims to alter the use of work equipment, the design of the workplace, the environment and ways of working in accordance with the limits as well as physical and mental capabilities of the workers. Recently, many studies mentioned that improper habit of computer usage causes problems such as a repetitive strain injury (RSI). Thus, this study is about a survey on the level of teacher knowledge about ergonomics and negative effects faced by students for those who were using computers in school computer laboratory. Questionnaires were used as a research instrument. This study involved 30 subjects consist of teachers who were using computer labs for teaching and learning from several schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Data were analyzed using mean, frequencies and percentages. The result shows that these teachers have a high level of ergonomics knowledge about computer workstation in the school computer lab and a moderate level of knowledge about the physical ergonomic position while using the computer. Also, the study identified the average level of negative effects faced by students while using computers in school computer laboratory.