Affiliations: Occupational Therapy Department, School of Pharmacy
and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michelle Rudolf, OTS, Creighton
University, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Occupational Therapy
Department, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. Tel.: +1 303 929 3426;
E-mail: MichelleRudolf@creighton.edu
Abstract: Ergonomics is a key consideration of a student-learning environment.
This paper examines aspects of ergonomics and application to the design of
tables in three classrooms at a Midwestern university. Custom tables with power
outlets and Internet access via Ethernet data ports were planned for classrooms
in 2000 to facilitate a laptop program. However, table height, specifically
thigh clearance from the seat to the bottom of the work surface, was not fully
considered. The ergonomic analysis of the classrooms by an occupational therapy
student led to the implementation of positive changes to the tables. The
enhancement of the learning environment influences student comfort and
productivity and can offset the cost of renovating the tables.
