Mark Steed posted the following entry on his blog :"Why IPads and Tablets in Schools don't sit well with me", which provokes some interesting thoughts. If we expect staff and pupils to be using technology for many hours a day and we know that they are using them socially as well (most pupils use technology for entertainment purposes), do we need to be teaching them about safe physical usage. Should this be part of the induction programme? Here is Mark's thoughts...
Why IPads and Tablets in Schools don't sit well with me
I am concerned that little discussion seems to have been given to the range of potential health issues surrounding the introduction of mobile technologies into the classroom. We have both a duty of care and a duty to educate young people in their safe and healthy use.
(If further incentive were required) In our increasingly litigious age, organisations lay themselves open to a potential liability claim if they do not provide adequate health and safety training. (think: 'Working at heights' training for use of ladders, workstation audits, the correct use of Rowing Machines or DT equipment etc.). It is likely to follow that where schools are providing iPads or tablets for use by pupils or staff, that there are potential liability issues, if appropriate training on their safe use is not in place.
Schools would be well advised to incorporate training into their ICT and/or PSHE curriculums on the health risks surrounding poor posture when using mobile devices. So what form would this take, given that it is almost impossible to maintain good posture when using them? (I am not occupational therapist but) I suspect the best advice is not to spend prolonged periods focused on our iPads, to take regular breaks, and to carry out exercises akin to those recommended on long-haul flights."
Posted via email from schonken's posterous
