Module 5.2 Green, health and global e-communication issues

Contents Ergonomics and health issues The need for green computing The impact of global e–communication Glossary

Ergonomics and health issues Lack of physical activity obesity hypertension (high blood pressure) diabetes increased risk of heart disease. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Ergonomics and health issues Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) A class of injuries (to tendons, etc.) caused by repetitive actions. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) CTS is caused by inflammation of the tendons in the wrist. Ergonomics Refers to the study and design of workplace for comfort and safety of people in work environments.

Ergonomics and health issues Keyboards to promote a more natural position for hands and wrists, with the palms turned slightly toward each other rather than flat relative to the keyboard..

Ergonomics and health issues Mice Used extensively in a GUI environment and requires users to hold their hands in unnatural, awkward positions for long periods of time.

Ergonomics and health issues Healthy practices Sit correctly Adjust the height of your seat or table Adequate ventilation/air circulation Mouse and keyboard are on same level, close Monitor is positioned at the correct level Prevent eye strain Take regular breaks

The need for green computing Energy efficiency- problem Electricity required by computers Electricity comes from burning fossil fuels Global warming

The need for green computing balance producing ‘faster’ equipment with the increased use in power and heat produce ‘green’ products - utilise less power power-saving Energy efficiency- ways to improve

The need for green computing reduce toxins in technology manufacture E-waste BROKEN OLD HARDWARE TOXINS SEEPS INTO WATER TABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE force re-cycling of e-waste

The need for green computing Paperless office? Paper Paper uses trees Chemicals BIG carbon footprint

The need for green computing Paperless? Small portable devices with high quality displays and long battery lives only arrived recently Digital Divide – these devices not affordable enough Hard copy is the cheapest and easiest way at moment Paper cheaper and less risky than large visible video displays Hard copies - non-electronic backups of data/information

The need for green computing Tips on how to practice green computing Switch off computers and devices you are not using Try and avoid the senseless wasting of paper Try and upgrade or give away old hardware, not throw away Send old ink cartridges back to manufacturer Refill and reuse old ink cartridges

The impact of global e–communication Computers have changed the way we communicate Faster e-mail in seconds talk to anyone, anywhere in the world video chats and conferences send huge files instantly anywhere message to millions of people instantly

The impact of global e–communication Computers have changed the way we communicate Cheaper VoIP and Skype cheap huge documents by e-mail cheap /almost free

The impact of global e–communication Computers have changed the way we communicate More effective and reliable quality of received identical to sent. locate data/information almost instantly using the Internet business transactions anywhere at any time social networking

Activity 1 Written Purpose of this activity: Learners complete written exercise to test their knowledge and understanding of Green, health and global e-communication issues.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) Glossary Carpal Tunnel Syndrome E-waste Ergonomics Green computing RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)