Ergonomics: Possible Roles in Helping Literacy Acquisition in Developing Countries

Ergonomics, and the implementation of psychologically-tailored technologies, may prove helpful in the process of literacy acquisition. In this paper we discuss the possible role of ergonomics in allowing a greater number of children to get access to formal education, focusing on literacy acquisition through the use of ICT. In this perspective, ergonomics not only allows for better design of educational settings, and enhances the physical learning environment, but may promote the use of communication technologies as important learning tools. We briefly review some ICT-based programs aimed at enhancing the acquisition of reading and writing skills launched in several countries. We then discuss the modulating effects of several factors in the use of ICT in this endower, ranging from e.g. socioeconomic conditions to language use and status, from technological constraints to teachers’ and family attitudes. Finally, we argue for several possible roles of ergonomically based ITC in literacy acquisition for children growing up in developing countries