I’m almost offended at the readings this week; why do they feel like they’re pointing big flashing arrows directly at my head?! I am not proud of it, of course, but really, the two things I’m terribly amazing at? That’s a new low. Anyway, Distractions and Multitasking–two words one can either always see or never see together. I, personally, have not. Somehow though, John Warner in his article “Rethinking My Cell Phone/Computer Policy”, and Travis Bradberry in “Multitasking Damages Your Brain And Career, New Studies Suggest”, know how to connect them.
Technology is hard to avoid. It’s all around us, heck, I’m constantly on my phone or computer and that’s not all. I can’t walk more than two feet out of my house without seeing a billboard that isn’t computer generated–and to think New York has them on every block. In a school setting however, there are less and less teachers who go full paper and number 2 pencil. Some give the suggestion that it is much better to write things down rather than type them as it helps someone remember better, but a lot of the time there will be more computers than notebooks. I’m more of a notebook girl myself.
Warner talks about how technology can distract those who are in the classes, as it will draw them away from the conversation at hand. Yes, I can agree that is 100% true. Computers now are phone compatible depending on what type a person has, so a lot of people will try to slyly text while they’re supposed to be taking notes and or not on their computers at all. I do not have a computer that can do so, but I am someone who hides it behind the screen thinking I am also slick. I am not. I also get bored very easily and the first thing I will do is grab my phone or split screen my laptop to watch a YouTube video.
Then he also brings up respect. I have one professor this semester that will make a comment everytime she sees someone on their computers or phones, and while I may partake in that once or twice, I understand her frustration. Rules are a two way street. This professor never goes on her phone–I actually never see any professor on their phone casually and when it may go off, they look at it and they either send it straight to voicemail or apologize and step out and take it.
Warner brings up a good point that if he doesn’t follow his own rules, then why should any of his students? Using technology should be for times during group work where they will need to look up information or free time after an in-class assignment. I think a lot of the times people think they can multitask by split-screening their laptops so it seems like they are taking notes but they can also be texting or looking on pinterest (absolutely not calling myself out there).
Bradberry believes he knows a thing or two about multitasking. Well, most of the information is from Stanford University or the University of Sussex, but hey, that’s unimportant right now. Multitasking seems like the best solution ever–but in reality, it hurts a person way more than it helps –and as someone who works in a restaurant, I know that very well. I won’t get into why because then we’ll be here all night, but, just know that I can never remember things for the life of me when I have too many things to do.
A person’s brain is only made to focus on one task at a time, and when in contact with a lot of different technologies, it seems to have a little difficulty keeping up. Trying to multitask with, let’s say, a phone and a TV playing at the same time, a person might experience having a tough time paying attention or recalling information. I can also agree with this one–I can not say how many times I had to go back to the beginning of an episode because I was on my phone. Next thing I know someone is in a new relationship and someone is dead. It’s crazy. Anway, on a more scientific level, those who multitask a lot are susceptible to low brain density where one processes empathy, as well as cognitive and emotional control. I was terrified reading that.
So, Distractions and Multitasking are connected, who knew? Like I said, a huge LED arrow pointed directly at me. I’m so used to just wanting to finish everything all at once, and then as soon as I walk around the corner or someone speaks to me, it’s like the laundry list of things were never there. I completely agree with both articles though and in a modern time like now where technology basically runs the entire planet, it is completely understandable to feel a little nervous about what is going to happen. How teachers will do their classes and or how we will even just live our lives. For now though, I’m definitely going to try not to go on my phone so much during my one professor’s class–I can feel her eyes glaring into me like superman’s lasers at all times of the class. I’m sure she loves me though…maybe.
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