Learning ergonomics by doing job analysis

This paper describes the pedagogical principles, structure and functionality of a class of multimedia learning environments designed for learning manufacturing in general and ergonomics in particular. It also presents the Ergonaut environment, which is intended for acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct ergonomic job analysis. The environment is an open one allowing the learner to explore and experiment with the resources and problems included. A rich set of tools and reference sources are provided in a manner similar to what the real world practicing ergonomist encounters. The learner is assigned a role on a simulated ergonomics team and must interact with and solicit help from other members of the ream in order to solve the problem completely. Explicit support is provided for the learning activities through scaffolding of the complete analysis/solution procedure, identification of learning needs, and reflective articulation. Throughout the learning process the learner constructs his or her own case library of problems and solutions which serve as the basis for reflecting on what has been learned and for future reference. Progress and actions are monitored to infer the student knowledge state and provide intelligent assistance when requested