Sherri+Carey

Sherri Carey

The research I would like to investigate further includes the ergonomics of desks in a computer classroom and the effect on student learning. After working for a company that believes very highly in an ergonomically correct computer station, it is interesting that computer labs in schools are typically not ergonomically correct.
 * Research Interest:**


 * Are computer classrooms ergonomically correct for students?
 * How do ergonomics in a computer lab effect learning in students?
 * How does the effective of ergonomics effect the attention span of students in a classroom?
 * What is the competitiveness to a computer classroom ergonomically correct and a computer classroom that is not?

Students spend countless hours in front of the computer screen learning and relaxing but not much thought is given to the safety of the posture relating to the learning environment of our students. Educational theories relating to this subject matter fall into several categories including the behaviorist and cognitive approach to learning, which builds the foundation for learning including the learning environment. These theories will need to be explored in more detail to determine the best approach to formulate a base theory for the foundation of my research. According to Spector et. al (2008), educational technology is diverse in its nature from a theoretical perspective. Many different theories can be applied to technological based learning involving technological devices and environments. Using a broad sense of theory in the beginning will allow more flexibility in developing a sound theoretical base eventually during the course of research.
 * Theoretical Foundation:**

(2008). //Handbook of research on educational communications and technology//. New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

June 24, 2012 Ergonomics in the Classroom: An Annotated Bibliography
 * Literature Review**

MacKinnon, K., & Woodruff, E. (2009). What can Human Factors Tell us About Designing for Technological Affordances in Teacher Education?. Proceedings Of The International Conference On E-Learning, 346-353. This study is written based on the human cognitive approach to learning in an online environment. The relationship is explored between the education of students and using technology to learn. The study focuses on the relationship of learning in regards to the use of technology using the cognitive approach. Since technology has evolved so quickly, we must take a critical look at the way technology is being used in our educational process.

Waggoner, T. C., & Barker, W. J. (1994). Ergonomics: As a unit in a general technology course. Technology Teacher, 53(4), 25. This article involves the study of the range of motion the physical body has while using technology. It is done as unit to look deeper into the meaning of ergonomics and the function of the human body. The article discusses the need for the human body to have a comfortable work environment to achieve high work standards. It also cites OSHA regulations as a standard in the practice of evaluation including laboratory investigations into the zones of comfort levels of individuals.

Manaris, B., Wainer, M., Kirkpatrick, A. E., Stalvey, R. H., Shannon, C., Leventhal, L., & ... Sanders, D. (2007). Implementations of the CC'01 human - computer interaction guidelines using Bloom's taxonomy. Computer Science Education, 17(1), 21-57. doi:10.1080/08993400601069820 Because our society is using technology constantly, including in the learning environment, it was related to Bloom’s taxonomy and the interaction of computers. Research is conducted bringing together the traditional means of education in Bloom’s taxonomy and computer interaction including software. It looks at the human interaction in relationship to learning to evaluate standards necessary to incorporate learning.

Yonck, R. (2010). THE AGE of the INTERFACE. Futurist, 44(3), 14-19. This article brings together the computer as a machine to the human focusing on the interaction of the two. The interface of the human with the machine is viewed as a means to look at efficiency and integration of both areas. Design is looked at as well to determine the most direct approach to using machines as a human being to bring a new level of understanding to areas of how are brain works.

Culig, K. M.,Dickinson, A. M., Lindstrom-Hazel, D., & Austin, J. (2008). Combining Workstation Design and Performance Management to Increase Ergonomically Correct Computer Typing Postures. Journal Of Organizational Behavior Management, 28(3), 146-175. The author looks at workstations and how it affects performance including posture in several workers. This study includes alignment of workstations before and after adjustments in posture comparatively with performance. The design of workstation is also examined to determine if this does have an outcome on the level of performance of individuals.

**Research Table**


 * || ** Questions/topic **
 * addressed in article ** || ** Article title ** || ** Author ** || ** Study/article type (research type, meta-analysis etc.) ** || ** Theoretical framework of article ** || ** Questions/hypothesis explored in article ** || ** Methodology used in article ** || ** Sample size used in study ** || ** Analysis or article and contents ** || ** Author’s conclusions/ **
 * your conclusions ** ||
 * Study 1 || What percentage of the population uses the cell phone to browse online. || Cell Internet Use 2012 || Aaron Smith || This is a report based on the findings of a survey conducted of American’s Internet usage. A sample of adults was conducted to determine the usage of the Internet on a cell phone. || The theoretical framework for this article is the concept of cell phone usage and how Americans are using it to browse online via the Internet. This also relates to the general usage of the Internet and cell phone habits. || This article explores the hypothesis that Americans are moving towards using a cell phone as a primary means of accessing the Internet. || This article uses the quantitative approach. || The sample size was 2,254 adults ages 18 and over via phone. || The survey shows that approximately 88% of the population uses a cell phone and more than have of the population owning a cell phone uses the phone to go online. || The author concludes a direct increase of cell phone usage to browse online has increased in the past 3 years. This is a dramatic shift in how and where we are using the Internet. This shift can mean a new direction of information gathering, as well as, a new use of the cell phone as a way to access the Internet with our the confines of a home or office. ||
 * Study 2 || This study looks at the possibility of gaming embedded in our daily lives. || The Future of Gamification || Janna Anderson, Lee Rainie || Based on the popularity of the gaming industry and gaming in social media, the study focuses on the future of gaming in our society bringing on gamification. || The foundation of this research is based on the implementation of game elements networking into our daily lives. The interaction of humans and playing is examined to make predictions for the future. || The question asked by this research focuses on the future of gaming in our society. || This article uses the mixed method approach. || The sample for this research was done online with 1,021 Internet experts and other Internet users. || The report focuses on the use of gaming as a means to communicate as a result of playing a game. It discusses the use of games in a more serious environment to be applied towards human activities. || Experts in the survey were split on the ability of gaming to be used in the future as a powerful tool. The author uses statistical information to support the existing use of games as a means of collecting and sharing data all ready in use. I agree with the findings in support of continued use of gaming in qualified areas but not blooming into an important piece of our daily life. ||
 * Study 3 || Data is gathered to determine how teens use video online. || Teens & Online Video || Amanda Lenhart || Based on the fact that 95% of teens use the Internet, this survey looks at several ways teens are using the Internet. || Because of the theoretical framework of this research, it is easy to see how and why teenagers use videos and a means to communicate via the Internet. With the development of technology, teenagers are harnessing the power to establish new ways of communicating. || The hypothesis tested during this survey was the use of video media in teenagers and what medium are teens using to communicate with video technology. The prediction of large percentage of use with our teenage population was explored. || This survey used the quantitative approach but if we look at the additional surveys of focus groups, we would say mixed method. || The national sample included 799 teenagers ages 12 to 17 in the US. || Because teenagers of the future generation, this study focus on the uses of technology with the main concern being video technology. 95% of all teens use the Internet in some way and over 30% of these teens use video chatting. || The author uses this survey combined with other surveys of teens using technology to look at the future generation and its ways of communication. This is study goes into detail of areas of teens and video media in their lives which demonstrates their ability to harness the power of technology. ||
 * Study 4 || How do Americans use Twitter? || Twitter Use 2012 || Aaron Smith and Joanna Brenner || This research is based on the communication tool of Twitter and a reflection of usage over the past year conducted in a survey. || Twitter is a communication tool that is widely used in a typical day of any average adult. Theoretically, Americans are incorporating more technology into their everyday lives using their smart phones with instant access. || Twitter usage is increasing but at a smaller percentage than expected. || This survey is using the quantitative approach. || This survey used a sample size of 2,253 adults ages 18 and up, through a phone survey. || Based on data conducted by the survey, 15% of adults online use Twitter and 8% on a daily basis. This number has doubled over the last year and quadrupled since the previous year. || The author maintains a stead adoption and use of Twitter for adults based on the increasing use of smart phones, however, the use of Twitter may be reaching a peak. As an avid smart phone user, I have not used Twitter. I really don’t see much use as a communication tool but I do think that in the future the social media tools will start to combine for ease of use and timesaving capabilities. ||
 * Study 5 || Do social networks promote good social behavior in teens? || Teens, kindness and cruelty on social network sites || Amanda Lenhart, Mary Madden, Aaron Smith, Kristen Purcell, Kthryn Zickuhr, Lee Rainie || Positive roles for American teenagers are explored in this research with teens using technology. The study combines results from a survey, as well as, results of feedback provided during informal focus groups. || The theoretical framework provided for this research is based on the peer interaction of teenagers using the medium of social media bringing us to a better understanding of the relationship between social media and peer relationships with teenagers. || Social media and the emotional impact on teens is a concern for everyone involved. The interaction of social media and teenagers is constantly challenged because of its instant access and broad scope of interaction. || This study is a mixed methods approach. || The sample size is 799 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. || Based on the topic of cruelty, teens were asked if they have felt or observed this experience. Most teens responded with less than positive experiences when dealing with emotional behavior on social networking sites. The exchanges being done online are emotional and challenging for a teenager. || Teens are at an emotionally challenging age with lots of drama being carried out using social media as a new medium of communication. Because teens are into the “drama”, these incidents of cruelty are the result of typical teenage behavior but can be controlled using parental involvement. ||

After research what gaps do exist in research, it is easier to establish gaps in current research to build a strong foundation from which to build new research from. Looking for information regarding the use of technology is such a daunting task, especially when you feel that complete research has been done on so many topics but the area of technology leaves lots of doors open for new and exciting possibilities. In the area of ergonomics, not much research has been done at the educational setting. Research regarding ergonomics seems to focused on the workplace environment not the school setting. With technology being used on a daily basis in our education, we need to be looking at proper areas of use of the computer to give students the optimal work environment. If we look at the research conducted by Yonck (2010), he establishes the relationship between the human and the machine bringing these two together as one unit working towards the best possible performance. We do not look at technology as a machine and combining forces with it to create the most efficient work environment, even for students.
 * Gap in Research **

1. Do ergonomics affect the learning environment for students using technology? 2. Can students using technology damage their health by not having a correct ergonomic environment while learning?
 * Research Questions **

Students are spending hours working at computers using laptops or other forms of technology to enhance their education. Research shows people are more productive when their work environment if not stressful on their physical well being with a healthy work environment. There are less workplace injuries do to less physical strain on the body when the work space using technology is ergonomically correct. Students using technology for long periods of time need to be given the same safe workplace environments as adults. The strain on developing human bodies is undeniably important even for a student using technology. The area of ergonomics needs to be examined for our students to provide the safest environment for learning.
 * Problem Statement**

Bloom's Taxonomy and Heirarchy of needs fits perfectly with many of the research being conducted on ergonomics and interacting with technology. The levels of needs based on Bloom allows the research to be based on what is needed to learn on a very basic level progressing to the highest order of needs.
 * Theory**

References Culig, K. M.,Dickinson, A. M., Lindstrom-Hazel, D., & Austin, J. (2008). Combining Workstation Design and Performance Management to Increase Ergonomically Correct Computer Typing Postures. Journal Of Organizational Behavior Management, 28(3), 146-175.

MacKinnon, K., & Woodruff, E. (2009). What can Human Factors Tell us About Designing for Technological Affordances in Teacher Education?. Proceedings Of The International Conference On E-Learning, 346-353.

Manaris, B., Wainer, M., Kirkpatrick, A. E., Stalvey, R. H., Shannon, C., Leventhal, L., & ... Sanders, D. (2007). Implementations of the CC'01 human - computer interaction guidelines using Bloom's taxonomy. Computer Science Education, 17(1), 21-57. doi:10.1080/08993400601069820

Spector, J., Merrill, M., Van Merrienboer, J., & Driscoll, M. (2008). Hanbook teseach on educational communications and technology. (3 ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Waggoner, T. C., & Barker, W. J. (1994). Ergonomics: As a unit in a general technology course. Technology Teacher, 53(4), 25.

Yonck, R. (2010). THE AGE of the INTERFACE. Futurist, 44(3), 14-19.