Strategies

Computer Equipment

In addition to providing a stress-free environment, helpful strategies for reducing anxiety and understanding the language of the computer, it is also helpful for the computer user to be able to understand the equipment being used. In order to remove some of the mystery of the computer, students should have the opportunity to see and touch some of the inner components . "Pushing the wrong button" and causing the computer to self-destruct is a fear of many of the computer anxious. Piña suggests allowing students to push all the buttons to see what they can do and assuring them that "almost any undesirable outcome from pushing one button can be corrected by pushing another button" (Piña, 1994, p. 5). In the experience of Piña, "Macintosh tends to be the easiest and least intimidating system for new users" . . . or "we will start students on the Microsoft Windows programs in the absence of Macintosh" (Piña, 1994, p. 5). Although Macintosh may be considered user-friendly and the least intimidating for many computer users, prior experience may affect how the computer anxious feels towards any system being used. For example, the individual whose only prior experience may have been with an IBM or PC, the thought of changing to the Macintosh system may cause more stress and anxiety that it would for the individual with no prior experience being introduced to the same Macintosh system. And, similarly the individual with only Macintosh prior experience may experience considerable computer anxiety when faced with having to learn the IBM system.

In reducing stress and anxiety in relation to the use of computer equipment, it is important to consider the physical stress associated with using the computer which may also lead to computer anxiety. Craig suggest that research is needed on "how furniture, office layout, and specially designed monitors and keyboards could help reduce physical strain on workers" (Craig, 1993, p. 315). A monitor placed at the wrong level can quickly cause eye strain for the user. Computer consultants suggest a distance of between 10 to 14 degrees below eye level for maximum ease and comfort in operation. Placing monitors below table level is now common in many educational settings. Having to look up and then down again many times from monitor to keyboard can quickly produce physical stress and anxiety in the already computer anxious. "When managers, designers, and technical communicators work together, factors that create computer stress and anxiety can be identified and reduced when computer systems and training are properly designed and managed" (Craig, 1993, p. 309). To reduce anxiety in the computer anxious, it is not enough to simply understand the equipment and how it works, we must also be knowledgeable in its management capabilities and how best it can help and fulfill our usage requirements.