Page 32 - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 10 to 12 Computer Studies - Revised (2008)

thE ontario curriculum, GradES 10 –12 | Computer Studies
students understand the importance of issues relating to health and safety in the work- place. Before taking part in workplace learning experiences, students must acquire the knowledge and skills needed for safe participation. Students must understand their rights to privacy and confidentiality as outlined in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. They have the right to function in an environment free from abuse and harassment, and they need to be aware of harassment and abuse issues in establishing boundaries for their own personal safety. They should be informed about school and community resources and school policies and reporting procedures with respect to all forms of abuse and harassment.
Policy/Program Memorandum No. 76A, “Workplace Safety and Insurance Coverage
for Students in Work Education Programs” (September 2000), outlines procedures for ensuring the provision of Health and Safety Insurance Board coverage for students who are at least 14 years of age and are on placements of more than one day. (A one-day job- shadowing or job-twinning experience is treated as a field trip.) Teachers should also be aware of the minimum age requirements outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act for persons to be in or to be working in specific workplace settings. All cooperative education and other workplace experiences will be provided in accordance with the min- istry’s policy document Cooperative Education and Other Forms of Experiential Learning: Policies and Procedures for Ontario Secondary Schools, 2000.
PLANNING PROGRAM PATHWAYS AND PROGRAMS LEADING
TO A SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR
Computer studies courses are well suited for inclusion in some programs leading to a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) or in programs designed to provide pathways to particular apprenticeship or workplace destinations. In some SHSM programs, computer studies courses can be bundled with other courses to provide the academic knowledge and skills important to particular industry sectors and required for success in the work- place and postsecondary education, including apprenticeship. Computer studies courses may also be combined with cooperative education credits to provide the workplace experience required for SHSM programs and for various program pathways to appren- ticeship and workplace destinations. (SHSM programs would also include sector-specific learning opportunities offered by employers, skills-training centres, colleges, and com- munity organizations.)
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN COMPUTER STUDIES
The major health and safety concerns associated with computer use are musculoskeletal injuries (including repetitive strain injuries) and eye strain. Teachers should not only ensure that workstations are ergonomically arranged but also encourage students to maintain good posture and to take regular breaks to stand and stretch. It is also important to inform students of the mental and emotional health risks associated with social isola- tion – a familiar condition among heavy computer users.
Various kinds of health and safety issues can arise when learning involves field trips. Out-of-school field trips can provide an exciting and authentic dimension to students’ learning experiences. They also take the teacher and students out of the predictable class- room environment and into unfamiliar settings. Teachers must preview and plan these activities carefully to protect students’ health and safety.
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