A model for training computerphobes addresses typical fears--of change, status loss, computer impact on society, isolation, failure, and job displacement. Four steps include (1) identifying target audience's needs; (2) accounting for human factors in training design; (3) desensitizing fears; and (4) providing advanced training. (SK)

Surveys the human factors literature that focuses on self-report evaluations of visual fatigue resulting from use of a visual display unit (VDU). Highlights include viewing distance, color, user demographics, duration of VDU use, physiological measurements, and suggested guidelines for VDU use. (Author/LRW)

All known health concerns related to use of video display terminals (VDTs) can be resolved by better ergonomics, reducing monotonous tasks, and giving VDT operators a better sense of controlling their work. These workplace improvements should be pursued regardless of VDT use. (MSE)

Discussion of issues that should be addressed when catalogers in small public libraries begin to automate as part of a consortium uses library cooperatives from Massachusetts (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing, CLAMS) and Florida as examples. Topics discussed include characteristics of the catalogers; cataloging standards; decision…

In an approach to balancing work and personal life that benefits organizations and individual employees, managers are guided by three principles: (1) clarify what is important; (2) support employees as whole people; and (3) experiment with how work is done to enhance the organization's performance while creating time and energy for employees'…

This article describes aspects of classroom acoustics that interfere with the ability of listeners to understand speech. It considers impacts on students and teachers and offers four possible solutions: noise control, signal control without amplification, individual amplification systems, and sound field amplification systems. (Author/DB)

Although many foresee the end of books with the rise of computers, there are good reasons to believe that books will survive, including their permanence, their value as historical records, and ergonomics. Librarians should continue to sponsor summer reading programs and book groups, serve as reader advisors, and prepare and post book lists. (PEN)

A survey of 120 administrators (59 aged 60+, 61 aged 35-50) found that both groups had similar perceptions of the association between office design and work activities. Older and younger workers ranked certain design features differently, and they had different perceptions of the privacy features of the work environment. (SK)

Much has been written about how the design and condition of physical facilities affects student achievement, but schools need to place more emphasis on the importance of furniture in enhancing the facility and improving student performance. Furniture and color are major ingredients in establishing a positive learning environment. Furnishing a…

As adult office workers' use of computers has increased, the incidence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints and injuries has also increased. Although the use of computers in the classroom is increasing, little attention has been paid by educators, furniture manufacturers, or researchers to the ergonomic design issues of educational…

This paper describes ergonomics and the need to adapt worksites and technologies for individuals with physical or sensory disabilities. It provides suggestions for how to design an appropriate setup, design considerations, environmental considerations, chairs, monitor height, ambient noise, light, and electricity. Recommendations include: (1)…

This annotated bibliography on videotelephony and disability is based on a literature search in nine databases, as well as information collected from literature lists in published reports. The bibliography's scope includes telephony and related fields such as telematics, the use of different kinds of picture telephones, information technology,…

This article begins by drawing on literature to examine the various definitions of "technology" and "technique." Following a discussion of the origin of technology in education, the remaining sections of the article focus on the relationships and interaction between: (1) machines and technique; (2) science and technique; (3)…

Alerts science teachers to ethical and social issues as well as research findings associated with recent developments in biomedicine. Also provides a brief list of suggested readings on bioethical issues. (PEB)

Outline of topics to help architecture students incorporate man-environment interaction variables into design. (Published by ASMER, P.O. Box 57, Orangeburg, N.Y. 10962.) (Author/MLF)