Element Eight: Digital Health
and Wellness
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital health and wellness.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital health and wellness.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
- Define digital health and wellness.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital health and wellness.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
What is Digital Health and Wellness?
Digital health and wellness is defined as physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world (Ribble, 2015). Most digital users don't realize there are physical dangers that exist while using digital technology. Ribble refers to a Boston University study about levels of discomfort and laptop use. Of the students surveyed, over 50% of those surveyed said they've experienced pain when working on a computer and 1 in 7 experienced pain after using a computer for just an hour (2015). When people think of safety in technology they often think of the equipment security aspect and not the physical health and security of the students (Ribble, 2015).
Issues with Digital Health and Wellness
In some schools, computers are set on tables that are not made for technology use and may sit too high or low for the younger kids (Ribble, 2015). Administrators and teachers should not assume students will recognize the warning signs and adapt or stop using a digital device before it causes pain. Another major issue that can jeopardize one's health and wellness is internet addiction. Internet addiction and gaming can cause both physical and psychological harm. Students don't always remember to think about their posture, taking breaks, or moving around. The psychological effects are just as harmful because they can find themselves dependent on technology. Smartphones are a great example of this. Kids have exhibited actual withdrawal symptoms similar to that of alcohol addiction if their phones are taken away or otherwise unavailable (Ribble, 2015).
Resolving the Issues
In his book, Ribble says that educators need to encourage students to use technology responsibly (2015). Educators can help by making sure technology stations are ergonomically correct and both parents and teachers need to be aware of how long their students are using technology (Ribble, 2015).
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
September 19, 2011
Coeds Cope with Technology-Induced Thumb Pain
3:24
This NPR broadcast discusses how more and more college students are suffering from sore thumbs from too much texting and typing on their iPads. The excessive use is causing hand, shoulder, neck, and back pain.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.