Is Multitasking a Myth?
Is Multi-tasking a Myth or Nah?
Multitasking is the capability to perform two or more task at a time. Conventional wisdom has it that multitasking is beneficial to the lives of many Americans. Multitasking is such a big part of society today, because individuals feel they can get more done by doing several task at one time. Yes, doing more than one task at a time gets things done faster but have you ever thought about the effects of multitasking? The article “Students can’t resist distraction…” by Bob Sullivan focuses on the consequences of multitasking, as “Over practicing makes perfect” by Annie Murphy Paul focuses on one mastering a task to increase the ability of multitasking. I strongly believe that multitasking is a skill that needs to be mastered to be used successfully.
In the article “Students can’t Resist Distraction for Two Minutes … and Neither can you,” it is demonstrated how technology hinders the learning process in young adults. Bob Sullivan claims that today’s gadgets are making us dumber. “One found that people who are interrupted by technology score 20 percent lower on a standard cognition test” (Sullivan). More research proves that students cannot concentrate on homework for more than two minutes, without the use of technology even on their best behavior. "Multitasking while doing academic work — which is very, very common among young people — leads to spottier, shallower, less flexible learning." (Paul) Instead of being called “Multitasking”, neuroscientist state it should be dubbed “Rapid Toggling.” The brain focuses on one task then quickly switches to another. In this case “Switching Cost” is being brought into play. Switching cost causes error, speed, and stress to an individual. “Over-Practicing Makes Perfect” by Annie Murphy Paul is an article that focuses on teaching people how they can make multitasking successful. In the article Paul believes that, practicing past the beyond point of mastery causes superior performance in a
Multitasking is the capability to perform two or more task at a time. Conventional wisdom has it that multitasking is beneficial to the lives of many Americans. Multitasking is such a big part of society today, because individuals feel they can get more done by doing several task at one time. Yes, doing more than one task at a time gets things done faster but have you ever thought about the effects of multitasking? The article “Students can’t resist distraction…” by Bob Sullivan focuses on the consequences of multitasking, as “Over practicing makes perfect” by Annie Murphy Paul focuses on one mastering a task to increase the ability of multitasking. I strongly believe that multitasking is a skill that needs to be mastered to be used successfully.
In the article “Students can’t Resist Distraction for Two Minutes … and Neither can you,” it is demonstrated how technology hinders the learning process in young adults. Bob Sullivan claims that today’s gadgets are making us dumber. “One found that people who are interrupted by technology score 20 percent lower on a standard cognition test” (Sullivan). More research proves that students cannot concentrate on homework for more than two minutes, without the use of technology even on their best behavior. "Multitasking while doing academic work — which is very, very common among young people — leads to spottier, shallower, less flexible learning." (Paul) Instead of being called “Multitasking”, neuroscientist state it should be dubbed “Rapid Toggling.” The brain focuses on one task then quickly switches to another. In this case “Switching Cost” is being brought into play. Switching cost causes error, speed, and stress to an individual. “Over-Practicing Makes Perfect” by Annie Murphy Paul is an article that focuses on teaching people how they can make multitasking successful. In the article Paul believes that, practicing past the beyond point of mastery causes superior performance in a
Cited: Sullivan, Bob. "Students Can 't Resist Distraction for Two Minutes ... and Neither Can You." NBC News. NBC News, 18 May 2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2013. Paul, Annie M. "Over-Practicing Makes Perfect." TIME Ideas Over Practicing Makes Perfect Comments. Brilliant Report, 20 Aug. 2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.