Comments on: Students need to learn multi-tasking too

By: HeshamSL65

HeshamSL65 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:46:30 +0000

Interesting Article...

One aspect one should take care of is how he deals with this pressure caused by being "multi-tasked" in certain second, If he trained him self to relax and take a deep breath every minute or though, He will be more productive and will be in even better mood.

I second that... The research results is interesting, But IMO, when people start to learn how to do things, they should give a full attention to it, They are now able to to their work in multi-tasked way without affecting the quality because one day when they first learnt how to do it... They learnt it the right way by giving their full attention and focus.

By: Rick Biche

Rick Biche — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:05:22 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. Too much multi-tasking leads to possible problems and much of the current multi-tasking that is happening is a result of new technologies and hyper-connectivity. So students need to learn to manage that. And, I expect, so do teachers. It is interesting that the study showed no decline in work quality. I am left to wonder what the work was? Was it paper-pushing, budgets, reports, etc… or was it creative work? Can one reach their creative potential while multi-tasking? Or do we all need to learn to step away, find some good space, unconnected space where we can think in our own minds even for just short periods of time?

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:12:07 +0000

I never had study halls when I was in school (too many electives and instrumental ensembles), but I imagine there are lots of examples of multitasking and teachable moments on these important skills. I have to wonder, though, how many teachers would be “on board” with allowing students to multitask during class as opposed to sitting at a desk, taking notes. (I know it sounds horrible, but it still happens way too often.)

By: Eric Brunsell

Eric Brunsell — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:19:13 +0000

Nice post — I agree completely with your last paragraph. Today’s students may be more comfortable using technology, but that doesn’t mean that they can use it productively.

My college students are in that gray area between the buzz word generations (digital natives vs. immigrants). All of them have cell phones, text each other regularly and most have Facebook accounts. However, they don’t consider themselves tech savvy. They struggle making effective powerpoint presentations, composing blogs, and rarely think about collaborating using wikis… They need good examples and lots of practice!