Staff Using Laptops and Tablets – How do we reduce the potential for harm?

As IT systems continue to progress and develop, a number of schools have taken the decision to remove their stock of bulky desktop PCs and replace them with smaller, portable devices including iPads and Surface Books, or more conventional laptops.

Clearly there are significant benefits to doing so, as this allows teaching staff in particular to be portable and to move between locations around the school, knowing that they remain connected to the server or IT system and can pick up wherever they left off in their previous locations.

But are there areas for concern?

The simple answer to this question is yes, but this can be a complicated and very individual issue.

The problems develop when small devices are used for longer periods, in less formal locations than a desktop. Although convenient, a smaller device can clearly be used pretty much anywhere, as Dr Seuss might put it, - on a plane, on a train, in the car, in a bar, in your bed, etc…

So clearly this helps with productivity and promotes flexible working, but in recent years, a great deal of increased knowledge has been shared with those who use computers on a daily basis, especially concerning the negative effects this can have if we don’t sit properly. Key reminders have been given as knowledge has increased, including:

·       Keeping the top of the screen level with your eyes

·       Sitting upright in a supported chair

·       Having a clear desk to support your arms and wrists as you type

·       Adopting a natural position for your mouse

Adopting these measures has played a large part in ensuring long term health effects are reduced or prevented. Evidently though, using a portable laptop in the wrong position for a long period of time makes a number of these items difficult to achieve if we are slouched on a Staff Room sofa or perched on a table after lunch.