Week 11: Critical Thinking, Equity in Digital Spaces, and Ergonomics

This week, we have a wonderful mix of guests and resources all shared below.

• Critical Thinking with Thomas Land from the UVic Philosophy Department, where he teaches PHIL 210: Critical Thinking. I strongly recommend this course and they offer it both in person and online asynchronously.
  • This talk is posted privately in BrightSpace

• Equity in Digital Spaces with Maha Bali of the American University in Cairo. You can visit Maha’s blog to learn more about the work she does on equity and educational technology.

• Digital Health – Ergonomics. We don’t have a guest to speak on this topic, but we ask that you review the resources provided on the UVic Ergonomics website. Note that these resources are targeted to employees of the university and not students. Nevertheless, they are important resources for you to review to ensure you stay healthy.
  • Ergonomic Tips for Working at Home [PDF] by UVic Human Resources
  • Office Ergonomics by the Institute for Work and Health
    • This self-paced online resource includes 9 modules, which take approximately 10-15 minutes each (approximately 2 hours). These modules include:
      • Overview & Introduction, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Risks, Working Postures and Work Breaks, the Workstation, the Office Chair, Computer Input Devices, the Computer Monitor, Lighting/Glare/Vision, and the “Comfort Zone”
  • Complete the Office Self-Inspection Checklist [PDF] by UVic Human Resources
  • Consider potential solutions for any issues you may have, including these stretches, and consider offsetting the sedentary nature of most digital work with activities. Check out the programs and facilities offered by UVic Vikes Recreation. As for myself, I do weights, spin, long distance cycle, and walk lots to offset my work and I recently invested in a treadmill desk set-up; however, I do access massage and physiotherapy when my neck or arms act up. Check out any medical plan you may have access to and also consider the extremely reasonable massage appointments offered by Camosun College massage students (under practicum supervision), which are only $15 compared to 10x that.
  • Other resources to check out (optional):
    • Interested in learning more? Consider a non-credit course on Ergonomics by UVic Continuing Studies
    • Preventing musculoskeletal injury by WorkSafeBC
    • Musculoskeletal Disorder Hazard Identification Tool – Computer Workstation and the Mobile Device Ergonomics Checklist by the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (Ontario)

• OPTIONAL event – for your interest only: AI and Future-Focused Learning by Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton