DC

 

Digital Health and Wellness

Mike Ribble (2011) refers to it as "physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world"

 

In addition to the physical dangers, another aspect of digital safety that is receiving more attention is the topic of “Internet addiction.” It’s a double-edged problem: Not only do users become dependent on the online experience, but they may also irreparably harm themselves physically. Taken to its extreme, Internet addiction can cause both psychological as well as physical problems.

 

This is an issue that is being recognized around the world. Some addiction experts are finding that the withdrawal symptoms associated with Internet addiction are similar to those of alcoholics. To prevent various technology-related physical injuries, educators need to encourage students to use technology in a responsible way.

 

Making sure that all computer workstations are ergonomically sound is one way to protect students from long-lasting problems related to technology use. But even beyond the physical aspects, adults need to be aware of the amount and type of technology used by students.

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Digital Health and Wellness Issues

• Using proper ergonomics and avoiding repetitive motion injuries 

• Becoming addicted to the Internet or to video games and withdrawing from society

 

Examples of Inappropriate Digital Health and Wellness

• Administrators and teachers ignore the possible harmful physical effects of technology on students

• Teachers do not model proper ergonomics when using technology.

 

Examples of Appropriate Digital Health and Wellness

• Technology leaders learn how to promote health and wellness with technology.

• Teachers model digital safety in their classrooms and expect their students to do the same.

 

Digital Health and Wellness Keywords

•  technology addiction

•  technology and good health

•  computer ergonomics

 

Today’s children are spending more and more time on the computer both in the classroom and outside the classroom. Spending a lot of time in front of the computer is very dangerous.

 

Computer ergonomics involve modifying the computer components such as the monitor and work-space appropriately in order to reduce the strain it has on various parts of the body.

 

This includes modifying the computer and chair to certain heights and providing the necessary accessories to make typing and moving the mouse more comfortable

 

Negative effects of technology and internet overuse:

• Eye strain: students could strain their eyes if the monitor is too close or too far, and if the lighting is of poor quality. This results in vision problems as well as headaches

• Back problems: caused by the chair support is poor

• Internet addiction

 

Tips for computer ergonomics

• The text on the computer screen should be on the eye level or a little bit lower, this helps reduce strain from the neck and the eyes. Adjust the chair or screen accordingly to accomplish this.

• If typing from a paper, the paper should be on the same level as the monitor so that the children do not keep looking down.

• The hands and wrists should be straight, parallel to the floor, not reaching up or down.

• Both the feet and the back need to have support

 

 

Ribble, Mike. Digital Citizenship in Schools : Nine Elements All Students Should Know (2nd Edition). Eugene, OR, USA: ISTE, 2011. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 9 December 2015.

Copyright © 2011. ISTE. All rights reserved.

 

http://www.surfnetkids.com/tech/1355/computer-ergonomics-for-elementary-school-students/

Feldman, Barbara. "Computer Ergonomics For Elementary School Students." Surfnetkids. Feldman Publishing. 21 Feb. 2008. Web. 6 Dec. 2015. <http://www.surfnetkids.com/tech/1355/computer-ergonomics-for-elementary-school-students/