Training Work Area Requirements

 

 

(Back to the Training Equipment page)  

The Work Place

Working on the lessons takes concentration and freedom from distractions.  The best place for the trainee to work is in a quiet room with a door that can be closed.  And, it's a good idea to post a "Do not disturb" sign on the room door.  Family, friends, co-workers, and playful pets want the training to go well, and the closed door and sign will tell them when they'd best stay away.  Working at one's desk in an office, or in the family room at home, is sure to lead to lots of interruptions, frustration and poor learning.  It will also increase the length of time it takes to complete a lesson.  Focused attention results in better, faster learning, no doubt about it! 

The Work Table

The best body positioning when using a notebook computer is not the same as the best position when using a desktop computer.  This is because, unlike on a desktop computer, the keyboard and the screen are right next to each other on a laptop computer.  The trainee cannot have the screen at eye-level, and the keyboard much lower.  Instead, both the screen and the keyboard are best set lower when using a laptop than when using a desktop computer.  The ideal placement is one that lets the hands and wrists be slightly lower than the elbows, for good blood flow. 

A good table to use is one designed especially for stenographers.  These are small portable tables, and their height is adjustable.  Thus, one can set it so that when one types on the computer keyboard, the wrists naturally fall just slightly lower than the elbows.  (Don't raise the shoulders to accomplish this!)  This allows for good blood flow, and no hard pressure on the heels of the hands if they do rest on the computer. 

You can see these tables and order one at this website: www.instand.com  Look for the "sitting" model, #CR1; or, if the trainee is tall, the #CR3 will be better. 

The second best table to use is any one that can be adjusted so that the wrists do not rest on the edge of the table AND the wrists are naturally just slightly lower than the elbows.  Often, the trainee can't adjust a table, but can lift his or her body -- by raising the chair, sitting on pillows, etc.  If the trainee has an adjustable chair WITHOUT arms, raise the seat up until the arms are in the desired orientation (i.e., wrists slightly lower than elbows).  No matter how the body is raised relative to the table, be sure the feet can rest flat on something.  If they are waving in the breeze, the trainee could experience fatigue and even pain.  Use a box, a few reams of paper, or some other footrest so the feet rest flat. 

While doing the training lessons, it is nice to have a side table next to the steno table or whatever regular table the trainee is using.  Such a side table is a good place to take notes during the work, and to keep the TypeWell workbook handy. 

The Work Chair

Arrange to use a comfortable chair that fits with the table the trainee is using.  Do not use a chair with arms that are positioned where the elbows or arms will rest on or bump the chair arms.  Use a padded chair, if at all possible.  A lumbar pillow on the chair is nice to have. 

A Clock or other Timepiece

The trainee should limit work sessions to no more than an hour or so at a time.  Working at a computer longer than this is not good for the trainee's ergonomic health, nor the quality of learning.  Have a clock or other timer readily available to monitor work and break time.