Ergonomics at Arlington Elementary

Ergonomics for Computer Use

Arlington Elementary STLP students chose this project as a service to our school community. We believe in instilling good posture or “ergonomics” for computer use. 

The Story of Computer Buddies

Teachers have you noticed your students complaining with back pain after leaving the computer lab? The STLP students have identified the cause. We have observed students at the computers with bent backs, and dangling feet that leads to poor posture. We decided to take action and come up with an idea to increase good posture. After much discussion, we decided we needed to make something to help the students straighten their backs and elevate their feet. Computer Buddies, which are made from phone books and layers of duct tape, in the beginning did not have a name. We decided to involve all of the staff and students to come up with a name for this new invention. The STLP Students came up with 5 possible name choices for students and teachers to select; Stoolies, Computer Buddies, Position Posture Pals, Posture Booster, and Learning Blocks. As a result, COMPUTER BUDDIES were born!   

Process To Create A Computer Buddy  

Step # 1 Collect Materials: Phone books, Duct tape, Scissors
Step # 2 Lay phone book on a flat surface
Step # 3 Cut tape in long stripes and cover phone book smoothing tape as you go
Step # 4 Place phone book in chair or under feet on floor as needed
Step # 5 Notice the difference