1. Workstation Routines

Objectives

Upon completing this section, you should be able to recognize and apply efficient workstation positions, routines, and security practices to make working with a computer a more enjoyable, healthy, safe, and productive experience. It will take you approximately 1.5 hours.

Background

Have you ever actually read the software licensing terms of the software you run on your computer? Have you ever scratched or damaged your CDs or DVDs, contracted a computer virus, or spilled a drink on your keyboard? Have you ever worked or played on a computer for so long that your muscles burned in your back or in your neck or felt your eyes sting from staring at the screen? Or have your hands ever cramped up or felt tingly after keyboarding, gaming, or instant messaging?

You may have seen people wear braces on their wrists for repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, and you probably know that people can develop injuries from poor body posture, improper keyboard and mouse techniques, and prolonged intervals in front of a computer. Think about an experience where you spent an extended amount of time doing the same task, like playing a videogame or shovelling the snow. The repetitive movement of one part of your body can cause strain and discomfort.

© Marcel Mooij/shutterstock

repetitive strain injury: overuse of the muscles through repeated movements that put stress on certain body parts, such as wrists or elbows

carpal tunnel syndrome: a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist causing pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand or wrist that can radiate up the arm

It’s easy to become so absorbed when working at the computer that you forget how long you have been sitting in one position, overstressing your muscles, and straining your eyes.

Working with computers can be problematic if you don't follow good routines and practices that protect both your health and your equipment. However, making good workstation routines a habit will help you minimize or prevent damage to equipment, loss of personal work, and injuries associated with using a computer and help increase your productivity, personal satisfaction, and sense of accomplishment.

© Marcel Mooij/shutterstock

In this assignment you will discover and practice appropriate workstation routines, setting personal goals for yourself to be aware and to practise ergonomic routines each time you sit at a computer.

Instructions

If at any point you’re unsure of how to complete a word processing task, use the Google Docs ‘Help’ menu and search using the keyword. Alternatively, watch the “Google Docs Overview” video.

INF1030 Course Folder Setup

Step 1: For this course you will need to use your Google Drive folder to store documents you create. There should be a folder in your drive called Classroom and within it a folder labelled Technology 10. Locate it now.

Step 2: Within this folder, create a folder called “INF1030.”

Step 3: Then create the following subfolders within the INF1030 folder:

• • Letters

  • Graphics

  • Reports

  • Tables

  • Final Project

Workstation Routines (/3)

Step 4: Open the Workstation Routines Rubric. Save a copy to your drive in your Technology 10 folder with your name added to the title - e.g., Workstation Routines Rubric - Tony Stark.  Review what you will assess yourself on at the end of the course.

Step 5: Using the Workstation Routines Rubric, complete the Tech 10 Initial Check to identify areas that you may need to work on throughout the Tech 10 course. Using a colour of your choice, fill the cells with the descriptions that best describe your habits. You will evaluate your progress in making appropriate workstation routines a daily habit three more times in this course. Submit to Google Classroom. (3 marks)

Ergonomics & Security (/17)

Step 6: Create a new word processing document (aka. Google Doc) :). Save the file in the INF1030 folder and name it “Ergonomics & Security - Firstname Lastname.”

Step 7: Add a header to your document that includes your full name, the assignment name (Ergonomics & Security), and the date. ***Add an extra space at the top so it doesn't get cut off when printing*** (3 marks)

Step 8: Using the Internet, a glossary, or a dictionary, look up the word ergonomics and write a definition in your own words in your word processing document. You do not need to cite the definition for this step.

Step 9: Now that you know what ergonomics is, take some time to read the information on the Workstation Ergonomics page. Do you have anything to add to your definition of ergonomics? If so, open your document and make the changes. (2 marks)

Step 10: Watch the following video.

• How To - Set up an ergonomic workstation

Step 11: Study the following diagrams on arranging a work surface. It is important to ensure that you, too, have a clean, well-organized area in which to work.

Step 12: This is your opportunity to improve your computer workstation. Using the information and routines you have been given, make appropriate adjustments to your furniture, equipment, and resources.

Step 13: Answer the following questions in your Ergonomics document in full sentences. (4 marks)

• 1. How many changes did you make? What were they?

  2. What corrections were you not able to make because of inadequate furniture, accessories, or lab restrictions?

  3. What does practicing good ergonomics and setting up an efficient, safe, and organized work station mean to you?

  4. How can making this practice a habit help you in the long run both personally and as you enter into the workforce?

Step 14: If you have not already done so, practice the exercises the Workstation Ergonomics page. Be sure to exercise your shoulders, back, neck, wrists, fingers, and arms.

Step 15: Read the Workstation Security site for information regarding hardware and software security and keeping your personal work secure. *This site is down at the moment. Please skip this step for now.*

Step 16: Answer the following questions in the Ergonomics & Security document. You can use Internet search terms to perform some research on these topics as well. (6 marks)

• 1. List three ways to protect your equipment or secure your work.

  2. List three ways you can protect your computer from viruses.

Step 17: In the Ergonomics & Security document you created, comment on your areas of strength and weakness. Set a goal to improve 2 areas you identified as needing improvement. (2 marks) Here are a few examples of possible goals:

• • I remember to stretch every 30 min to help reduce muscle fatigue.

  • I save files frequently as I work and backup important files regularly.

Step 18: Upload and submit the Ergonomics and Security document to Google Classroom and turn in