Towards an Ergonomics of Knowledge Systems: Improving the Design of Technology Enhanced Learning

Abstract

Abstract. As Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) systems become more essential to education there is an increasing need for their creators to reduce risk and to design for success. We argue that by taking an ergonomic perspective it is possible to better understand why TEL systems succeed or fail, as it becomes possible to analyze how well they are aligned with their users and environment. We present three TEL case studies that demonstrate these ideas, and show how an ergonomic analysis can help frame the problems faced in a useful way. In particular we propose using a variant of ergonomics that emphasizes the expression, communication and use of knowledge within the system; we call this approach Knowledge System Ergonomics.

Three dimensions’ comparison of two hospital centres : Usefulness, ease of use and functional analyses of the information system

“…Ergonomics is therefore decisive when this type of system is intended for several users with little or no training in the use of computers, computer literacy , which is the case, for the majority, of employees in hospitals. (Millard and Howard, 2010) Ergonomics allows the perfect integration of the computer tool in the care system, which is lacking for the two systems studied. The staff uses it in a certain continuity, the fear could have been that the time spent using the tool would ultimately be of no interest since at the same time distancing the caregiver from his patient, or encouraging the caregiver to see his patient 'through the screen data' , which is the case here, the system does not find its place in care as a care tool but as a unique reference.…”