Oh, my aching laptop: expanding the boundaries of campus computing ergonomics

Feeling pins-and-needles in your fingers, having a sore back, blurry vision or aching wrists are common symptoms for many employees in the technology field. Such aches and pains are often warning signs that significant injuries are just one more mouse click away. Until recently, such ailments have not traditionally been considered common symptoms for students. Yet, with the rapid growth of game-playing software, computer-related coursework and online classes, which cause students to spend longer hours in front of a computer, repetitive stress injuries are inevitable. Consequently, such injuries should and must be considered in the educational environment by department heads and information technology personnel. Repetitive stress injuries are of particular concern at Northwest Missouri State University, where all campus-housed residents are provided with campus-owned notebook computers. Notebook computers can increase the chances of injury since the monitor and keyboard cannot be positioned separately. Also, due to the notebook computer's portability students can work in locations and positions that can increase the risk of acquiring repetitive stress injuries from neck pain to carpal tunnel syndrome. Computer users need more education and training in the science of ergonomics in order to avoid injuries.In this paper, users and educators will learn techniques for adapting workspaces and habits in order to perform at optimum efficiency. The paper will define the problems and costs associated with workspace ergonomics and offer solutions to these problems. Additionally, the authors will discuss techniques to avoid repetitive stress injuries and how to effectively train users before injuries occur.