Setting up your online learning space
Finding the right workspace for your child is an important part of the home based learning experience, the challenge is finding the right set up for your home and for your child,. There is a lot of advice available but what is important is that there is some consistency for students to feel that they are in their learning space.
The following guidelines from https://www.therapeuticassociates.com/virtual-learning-ergonomics/ give a quick guide to setting up the work space for ergonomics, to ensure that not only are students focused, but that they are also taking care of their physical well being.
How should I set up my child’s workstation?
Providing kids with a workstation that fits them is the best way to ensure they practice proper ergonomic habits. This doesn’t have to mean going out and buying new furniture either! There are plenty of simple hacks you can use to make what you already have work for your kids.
Remember the 90/90/90 Rule
An easy way to assess your child’s position when sitting at a desk or table is the 90/90/90 rule. Hips, knees and ankles should each be positioned at about a 90-degree angle.
Keep feet on the floor
Feet should be flat on the floor, but if the chair is too tall, a stool or a box can be used as a footrest.
Support the back
Back should be fully supported, but if the chair’s seat is too deep, a firm pillow or rolled up towel will eliminate the gap between your child’s torso and the chair’s back.
Give them a boost
Forearms should rest on the desktop, with elbows lined up under the shoulders. If typing or using a mouse, your child’s elbows should be bent just less than 90 degrees. If the chair is not adjustable and is too short for the desktop, give them a boost with a cushion or a few towels folded and stacked.
Adjust the height of the screen
Forehead should line up with the top of the device screen to eliminate the need to bend the neck and head over to see. Use a riser, or simply a stack of books, to elevate small laptops and tablets when watching or reading is the primary objective. Position the screen about an arm’s length away.
Ideally, if working on a laptop or tablet, kids will have a separate keyboard and mouse to use for typing so the screen can always be positioned out in front of the eyes. An external monitor is another option. If an extra keyboard or extra monitor is not an option, a laptop can be angled by positioning something beneath the back near the device’s hinge. This will raise the screen somewhat while maintaining the lower position of the keyboard.
It’s important to remember that it’s unrealistic to expect kids to hold one posture all day long. Encourage regular breaks throughout the day and allow for alternative positions and postures for short periods as needed.