Provides recommendations prepared by the Library of Congress for prevention of repetitive strain injuries in VDT (video display terminal) operators. Chair design, keyboard height and distance, screen placement and viewing specifications, and ergonomic pauses are discussed. (five references) (EA)

Just as athletic coaches match children's size to appropriately sized gear, children using computers need suitably sized furniture and hardware. Just as coaches use appropriately timed warmups and breaks, teachers should establish healthy work habits for computer users in their classes. Tips and equipment specifications are provided. (MLH)

Defines ergonomics and discusses design and environmental considerations. Suggests work-space requirements for: tables, chairs, monitor height, ambient noise and light, electricity, and environmental hazards. Includes sources for additional information related to ergonomic design. (AEF)

Reviews literature in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) as it applies to educational environments. Topics include the origin of HCI; human factors; usability; computer interface design; goals, operations, methods, and selection (GOMS) models; command language versus direct manipulation; hypertext; visual perception; interface…

Applies learning theory and ergonomic principles to the design of effective learning environments for library instruction. Discusses features of electronic classroom ergonomics, including the ergonomics of physical space, environmental factors, and workstations; and includes classroom layouts. (Author/LRW)

Human Performance Technology (HPT) consists of a few principles and a host of applications. The power of HPT comes from the fact that it is fundamental to an understanding of all forms of purposeful activity, ranging from the actions of an individual to the actions of an international organization. As a practical discipline, HPT began some 40…

In this article, the author examines the effects of "pedagogical Chernobyl" in Belarus schools, which stem from the Soviet model, that carry the same defects and shortcomings as the schools of Russia, and the deterioration of the state of health of their children and adolescents. Furthermore, he evaluates the sizes of schoolbooks, in the…

Most humanities courses rarely require students to create the kinds of work they are studying. Sean Gouglas, Stefan Sinclair, Olaf Ellefson, and Scott Sharplin outline the value of this rare experience by describing an assignment in their graduate humanities computing course in which students examined hypermedia narratives by authoring a…

Sounds are the result of one or several interactions between one or several objects at a certain place and in a certain environment; the attributes of every interaction influence the generated sound. The following factors influence users in human/computer interaction: the organization of the learning environment, the content of the learning tasks,…

This book contains 12 case histories, each based on a real-life problem, that show how a manager can use common sense, knowledge, and interpersonal skills to solve problems in human performance at work. Each case study describes a worker's problem and provides background information and an assignment; solutions are suggested. The following cases…

Limits of graphic display design component variation based on cognitive tolerance for imprecision were investigated using compatibility functions. The compatibility function is an empirical definition of a perceptual category representing the grade of membership of an implied physical attribute into a corresponding conceptual category, measuring…

A study was conducted to determine if more frequent adult basic education (ABE) teacher participation in inservice programs is related to greater job satisfaction or if such factors as age, sex, years of experience, or degree attainment and coursework in adult education play a greater role. A random sample of 150 ABE teachers in Pennsylvania was…

Papers presented and summaries of discussions at a 3-day conference which focused on screen displays for online catalogs are included in this report. Papers presented were: (1) "Suggested Guidelines for Screen Layouts and Design of Online Catalogs" (Joseph R. Matthews); (2) "Displays in Database Search Systems" (Fran Spigai);…

The purpose of this study was to apply the theory of person-environment fit in assessing student well-being in a university computer room. Subjects were 12 students enrolled in a computer literacy course. Their learning behavior and well-being were evaluated on the basis of three symptoms of video display terminal stress usually found in the…

This paper reviews briefly the essential characteristics of both invitational education and computer assisted instruction (CAI) and the ways in which coordination of these two models can produce stimulating and valuable educational experiences for students. A matrix illustrates the characteristics of CAI which can support the major values of…