Podcast

PODCAST | Watch Your Posture: Another Problem of Extended Computer and Device Use by Kids

Philip Ko
Young girl sitting at home in front of a black laptop.

With so many children currently attending school virtually on laptops, tablets and other smart devices, there is concern about how the extended use of these devices affects them. While much attention has been given to the cognitive effects of extended device usage, Dr. Regina Pope-Ford has instead investigated the physical effects. In this episode, Dr. Pope-Ford, an expert in human factors and ergonomics, discusses her study of children’s comfort while using smart devices. She also discussed signs of bad posture that could lead to enduring pain, ways to correct the posture, and some things that parents and educators can keep in mind as schools continue to educate virtually. You can read her paper here

Participants

Host: Philip Ko, Ph.D., 2019-21 Executive Branch Fellow, National Science Foundation
Twitter: @PhilKo1

Guest: Regina Pope-Ford, Ph.D., 2019-21 Executive Branch Fellow, National Science Foundation

Producers

Producer & Executive Producer: Philip Ko, Ph.D., 2019-21 Executive Branch Fellow, National Science Foundation
Twitter: @PhilK

Image: Marcus Trier, Pixabay

Disclaimer

This blog does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.

Tags

ergonomics
Health
Podcast

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Authors

Philip Ko

Ko, Philip: Fellowship 2019-2020 Ko, Philip: Fellowship 2020-2021

Phil Ko earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Vanderbilt University for his research on visual memory, attention, and object representation. During his postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, he examined how visual memory systems change with age, dementia, and different states of awareness, using electroencephalographic and eye movement measurements. Dr. Ko is also an educator, both in the classroom and the community. He has held faculty positions at Vanderbilt University and Austin Peay State University, and has actively brought science to various community events in Nashville for children and the elderly. As a AAAS S&T Policy Fellow, he hopes to further learn how to bridge the scientific community and the public. Phil enjoys playing music in his spare time.