8.5: Safe and Healthy Uses of Technology Resources
- Page ID
- 32023
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- Identify some potential health issues as it relates to the use of technology.
- Identify strategies for promoting the safe and healthy use of technology.
In this section, we will share some general information and strategies for addressing safe and health uses of technology in teaching and learning. While these strategies are written with learners in mind, as a technology user, you should consider the strategies for yourself as well. None of this information should be considered medical or mental health advice; it is informational only. You should always reach out and defer to medical and mental health professionals before developing your teaching and learning strategies as it pertains to health and wellness.
Potential Health Issues Related to Technology Use
The use of technology in educational settings, while beneficial, can also lead to several health concerns if not managed properly. Key health issues include (Johnson, 2023):
- Eye Strain and Vision Problems: Prolonged exposure to screens can cause digital eye strain, characterized by dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. This is often due to poor lighting, screen glare, and not taking regular breaks from the screen.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Poor ergonomics while using technology can lead to musculoskeletal problems, including back and neck pain. These issues arise from improper seating, screen height, and keyboard placement.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Repetitive motions such as typing and using a mouse can lead to RSI, causing pain and discomfort in the hands, wrists, and arms.
- Hearing Damage: Using headphones or earbuds at high volumes for extended periods can cause hearing issues, including tinnitus and hearing loss.
- Mental Health Concerns: Excessive use of technology can impact mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns, particularly due to blue light exposure from screens. Your organization’s counselors and mental health professionals can help you to understand these issues better. Reach out to them for more information.
Promoting Safe and Healthy Technology Use
As stated above, you should always reach out and defer to medical and mental health professionals before developing your teaching and learning strategies as it pertains to health and wellness. The following is provided as general information:
- Ergonomic Awareness: Ensure ergonomic workstations for technology use. This includes adjustable chairs, proper screen placement, and footrests if necessary (Marcin, 2017).
- Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Encourage students to take short breaks from screen time (Marcin, 2017).
- Proper Lighting: Use devices in well-lit areas to reduce eye strain. Avoid glare on screens (Marcin, 2017)..
- Safe Listening Practices: Educate about safe headphone volumes. Encourage the use of noise-limiting headphones, especially for younger students (Marcin, 2017)..
- Encourage Physical Activity: Integrate physical activities into the learning process to counteract prolonged sitting (Marcin, 2017)..
- Mental Health Awareness: Be aware of the signs of technology-related mental health issues. Encourage digital detox periods and promote a balance between technology use and other activities. As stated above, reach out to your organization’s counselors and mental health professionals to help you develop strategies (Marcin, 2017).
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Prevention: Teach proper typing techniques and consider using ergonomic keyboards and mouse devices to reduce the risk of RSI (Marcin, 2017).
Johnson, J. (2023, April). Negative effects of technology: Psychological, social, and health. Medical News Today.
Marcin, A. (2017b, February 4). 20-20-20 rule: Does it help prevent digital eye strain?. Healthline.
Pinola, M. (2020, May 14). 7 things you need for an ergonomically correct workstation. The New York Times.