Middle School Students' Notebook Computer Use

Abstract

This pilot study investigated how middle school students use notebook computers in their daily activities, their knowledge and beliefs about ergonomics, the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in notebook computer use and if the use of peripherals, a participatory ergonomics approach or goal setting is effective in promoting “healthy computing” and reducing self-reported computer-related musculoskeletal discomfort. One hundred and twenty four students were recruited from three middle schools in Maine to participate in the study for three months. Pilot results suggest that over 26% of the students self-report musculoskeletal discomfort with notebook computer use. Students who self-reported general discomfort typed significantly faster as compared to students who typed at a slower average weekly rate. Participatory ergonomics training that involved the participants in planning, developing, and implementing ergonomic solutions to notebook computer workstations and the use of peripherals, i.e., keyboard and mouse significantly improved students' “healthy computing” as compared to the control group.