PROPER TECHDOQUE ATTHE KEYBO ARD Alex Harrington April 13, 20-- Appropriate technique at the keyboard is essential for productivity as well as for health reasons. Two essential elements of keyboarding technique are proper placement of the computer monitor and the keyboard. MONATOR The computer monitor should be pasitioned in line with the keyboard, centered on the user. Ideally, the monitor should be slightly below eye level for the most comfortable viewing and should be tilted slightly away fram you, forcing you to look down slightly. In general, pasition the monitor as far away as possible while still being able to read the text clearly. To position the monitor appropriately, sit back in the chair and extend your arm horizontally; your middle finger should touch the middle of the screen. This way, you won't need to make excessive head movements to see the viewing area of the screen. Monitors and Document Holders. Ta minimize head movement, place the document holder at the same height and distance as the monitor and at the same angle as the monitor, tilted slightly upward. Place the document holder next to the monitor apposite the mouse. Monitars and Laptop Computers. Despite their convenience of use, laptop computers are not ergonomic because you cannot adjust the screen and keyboard independently for the most comfort. If you do a lot of typing on a laptop, consider purchasing an external monitor or an external keyboard to avoid straining yourself. KEYBOARD The keyboard should be in a straight line between your body and the monitor. There is no research showing that ergonomic (split) keuboards are superior to traditional keyboards; therefore, using an