DIGITAL LIBRARY
ANTHROPOMETRICS AND ERGONOMICS IN CORRELATION TO EFFECTIVE INFORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Kansas State University (UNITED STATES)
About this paper:
Appears in: ICERI2017 Proceedings
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 7868-7878
ISBN: 978-84-697-6957-7
ISSN: 2340-1095
doi: 10.21125/iceri.2017.2096
Conference name: 10th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 16-18 November, 2017
Location: Seville, Spain
Abstract:
Informal learning can be defined as a self-guided learning experience. Informal learning can be collaborative or individual, whether that be in a cafe, university setting, home, or other environments. This research group hypothesized that an adaptable environment with a variety of ergonomic postures promotes effective informal learning environments. The team conducted observation in informal learning spaces like coffee shops, libraries, and student lounges and also interviewed several participants. In addition, the team sent out a survey to collect specific data regarding preferred anthropometric and ergonomic postures that provide comfort in informal learning environments. The responses provide a point of reference when developing a space that will foster successful informal learning. These researchers anticipated that students adjust their surroundings to fit their preferences for correct ergonomic postures, if the environment is not suited to their needs. One weakness of this study may include discrepancies between comfort and productivity requiring further research. In this paper, these researchers share their research process and findings.
Keywords:
Informal learning, ergonomics, posture, collaboration, lounge furniture, collaborative learning.