A recent study in England reveals that more bacteria can be found on some computer keyboards than on a toilet seat. The study was conducted in an office, where it might be reasonable to assume that a keyboard is used by just one person most of the time.

This got me thinking about our keyboards at school. Six or seven students might use a keyboard each day, coughing, sneezing, and typing with fingers that may or may not have been washed after they went to the restroom. Those keyboards are wiped down once a year, in the summer. In contrast, the custodian goes through the restrooms every evening with some powerful cleaners.

I’d hate to see that British test replicated at my school. I think the results would probably be the same.

I’m going to invest in disposable disinfectant wipes and encourage students to clean the keyboards at least once a week. I’ll set them out where students can get to them easily. If they wipe them down often enough, it will help.

And if I encourage them to read the article, maybe they’ll get between the keys!

(After reading the article and writing this blog, I had to stop and wipe down my home keyboard. This summer I’m taking it apart and cleaning it thoroughly. Yuck!)

Posted Wed, 14 May 2008 00:01:27 and filed under Classroom practice, Technology. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.