According to Nass and Gazzaley current research indicates that multitasking leads to a decrease in deeper thinking when people are multitasking. With each switch of task there is a cost in understanding because the brain has to refocus each time a person switches tasks. This generation may not experience the joy of deep thinking.
Multitasking research is difficult to conduct. College students, even when offered money, could not even give up a week without technology because they felt that would “destroy” their social life.
What I call Constant Connection Syndrome (CCS) is an addiction the researchers explained is caused by pleasure chemicals produced by the brain in anticipation of new and better information. Evolution favors alert and curious minds.
Current Research: Is multitasking trainable? What are the social implications of not giving someone your complete attention? What are the best techniques for setting tech parameters that do not impede work performance and social interactions?
Research Based Tip For Students: Instrumental music is ok to use during homework because it is processed on the side of brain where words are processed so it does not interfere with reading, writing, or arithmetic and may reduce stress.
Hey Laurie!
I have to agree with this post. If I am working on two things at once I limit my attention. Once I start working on more than two I am constantly back and forth starting on one thing, moving to the next, back around to the first. I tell myself to finish one thing before moving to the next in order to be more productive. I do work better with background noise such as music and notice my students do also.
Sources: Does Multitasking Lead to a More Productive Brain?, Laurie Merrill, http://macsnacks101.blogspot.com/
I have to agree with this post. If I am working on two things at once I limit my attention. Once I start working on more than two I am constantly back and forth starting on one thing, moving to the next, back around to the first. I tell myself to finish one thing before moving to the next in order to be more productive. I do work better with background noise such as music and notice my students do also.
Sources: Does Multitasking Lead to a More Productive Brain?, Laurie Merrill, http://macsnacks101.blogspot.com/
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