CHAPTER SIX

COMPUTERIZING THE WORK PLACE

1

The workplace provides an important venue

for many adults to use computers.
Computer Use at Work by Occupation

use of a computer at work correlates with

occupations in which workers have higher
educational attainment.

Computer Use at Work by Gender and Age

Because of the occupational differences, the share of

women who use a computer at work exceeds the
share of men.
This difference persists across all ages

Types of Computer Uses at Work

2

Workplace use of computers involves a

number of tasks, led by:

connecting to the Internet

word processing

spreadsheets and databases.

Internet Use at Work

The Work Home Connection

Computers and the quantity of work

3

What is your opinion towards computer

and quantity of work??

Computers and the quantity of

work
4

The impact of new technologies in the

work place is an issue that has caused
controversy throughout history.
A British survey of about 2000 work places
found that computers were replacing
workers on the considerable scale.

Computers and the quality of work

5

Does automation deskill workers?

Cont`d
6

Proponents
Horley shaiken argues that computers
deskill workers and thus degrades the
quality of working life, he argues that
managers do not like skilled workers
because they are semi autonomous
managers therefore seek to remove skill
from workers and transfer it to machines .

cont`d
7

Opponents
New technologies introduce new modes of
machine failure, new flows in the control
system and new challenges to the design
of jobs.
Instead of deskilling the work force,
computer technology demands that
employers of the future constantly improve
staff quantity through learning and
retraining.

Middle course
8

Monolithic models of technological impact of up

skilling are not correct. A study by Bellore
researchers concluded that office technology
reduces job pressure and increases the satisfaction
of the primary user at threesome time it reduce
job satisfaction of the service givers and deskilled
them.
British academics Javid Buchanan and David Badly
argue that there is no uniform impact or effect of
new technology on the nature of work. In efficiency
and boredom of employees come from the work
organization but not from new technology.

Stress in the modern work place

9

A lot of our daily stress is avoidable through

Being aware of yourself and your environment
Having in place strategies for minimizing the
impact of stressors.
It is important we are able to identify the
factor or events in our workplace that cause
stress.
Identifying your personal stressors is the first
step and the most important.

cont`d
10

when you are in stressful situations, use

this: Work with your team
Create relaxation time in the workplace.
Take everyone outside in the fresh air for a
team meeting.
Go to a cafe for lunch.
Bring in a masseuse.

Ergonomics, Health and safety issues

11

What is Ergonomics?

The term ergonomics is derived from two

Greek words: ergon, meaning work and
nomoi, meaning natural laws
Ergonomists study human capabilities in
relationship to work demands.
Ergonomics is the study of how working
conditions, machines and equipment can
be arranged in order that people can work
with them more efficiently

cont`d
12

In general, computers are clean, quiet and safe to

use. However, poor interaction with positioning of
computer equipment can lead to health problems
such as eyestrain, swollen wrists and backache.
Problems can be avoided by good workplace design
and by good working practices.
Prevention is easiest if action is taken early through
effective analysis of each workstation.

There are a number of practical steps that can be

taken to achieve an ergonomically positive
environment and, furthermore, to promote a safer
learning environment

Cont`d
13

These are:
Positioning of the person and equipment
Arranging a safe learning environment
Taking regular breaks

Positioning
14

Body positioning and the positioning of

equipment are fundamental to ensuring a
comfortable and healthy interaction with
computers.
The following recommendations can help to
reduce the risk of health problems.

Sit up straight rather than slouch forward

Use supports such as foot rests, wrist rests and
adjustable chairs
Adjust equipment to the correct height, distance
and angle.

Recommended Positioning
15

Inadvisable Positioning
16

Arranging a Safe Learning Environment

17

visual display unit

Keyboards
Chair
Light
Noise
Heat
Electrical Safety

Regular Breaks

How to work safely with ICT in your classroom?

18

Ensure that no cabling is trailing on the

floor.
If you are using a data projector, make
sure that all leads are safely located
Ensure that all electrical installations are
carried out by a qualified electrician
All equipment must be of a reliable
standard

19

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