Education in times of covid-19: are students learning in ergonomic conditions?

Maria-Elena Boatca,Romulus Corlan,Nicoleta Mirea,Diana Robescu

doi:10.1051/matecconf/202134201016

Maria-Elena Boatca, Romulus Corlan + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202134201016

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Abstract

For more than a year, the way people work and learn witnessed dramatic changes on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic. While workers were supported and provided with trainings and a variety of sources of information, students did not benefit from the same ‘privilege’. In Romania, students had to adapt to online learning system since March 2020. To properly assess the impact of online learning on students’ health (both physical and mental), the authors conducted a study on students at Politehnica University of Timisoara. As part of this study, subjects were assessed using ‘Rapid Office Strain Assessment’ (ROSA). While some of them learn in ergonomic conditions, there are others exposed to high postural risk (primarily generated by use of inappropriate furniture). This assessment is part of a larger ergonomic intervention focused on educating students on the importance of creating ergonomic conditions at home with the aim to improve quality of life.

Highlights

After a year since the Covid-19 outbreak, it has become clear for everyone that the way one learns and works suffered dramatic changes
Trainings and informative materials on proper organisation of working space, risks, and importance of correct posture for office workers created the opportunity for reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and improving the working space used in workers’ dwellings
Other researchers relied on Rapid Office Strain Assessment method (ROSA) to conceive education-based ergonomic interventions, highlighting again that ROSA is a highly reliable instrument [1214]. Another interesting observation comes from Matos et al (2015) which support the idea that assessments performed with ROSA method may be more related to inappropriate use of desk, chair, and office equipment rather than poor ergonomics of the office [15]

Summary

Introduction

After a year since the Covid-19 outbreak, it has become clear for everyone that the way one learns and works suffered dramatic changes. Trainings and informative materials on proper organisation of working space, risks, and importance of correct posture for office workers created the opportunity for reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and improving the working space used in workers’ dwellings. Students have been learning online during the past year and there is little literature and information dedicated to them that might help students reduce the risks they are exposed to. Their health and wellbeing are just as important as it is for employees, and, should not be regarded differently.

Literature review

Methodology

Case study: analysis of students’ learning conditions using ROSA method

Section C score

Findings

Conclusions