“M” AS IN MASTERFUL MULTITASKING
READINGS: Generation M
M as in masterful multi-tasking... while many would argue that 6-8 hours of daily technological attention shift is detrimental (virtual ADHD), I would suggest that multi-tasking is, in fact, an important skill to master... a “must-have” in the modern technological environment in which we are immersed.As the virtual cognitive universe expands exponentially, we as information consumers will be required to process more information than can be assimilated in one, single-focused endeavor.
TO SEEK FOR THE SAKE OF SEEKING
READINGS: Slate on Seeking (How the brain hard-wires us to love Google, Twitter, and texting. And why that’s dangerous.)
Seeking is an interesting notion, as it relates to our (seemingly) incessant quest for technology-driven stimulants of micro-information. Yoffe suggests that technology has now become a basic physiological human need... Do we consciously ask ourselves, “What, exactly, am I seeking?” Are we directed in our information- gathering missions, or do we mindlessly seek for the sake of seeking? Can this internally-driven mechanism that defines us as human be directed, deliberate to actually seek something of use, of benefit? Or do we chase the micro-bit of the day, the buzz?
POST_CLASS REFLECTIONS
The last class meeting was enlightening, as it provided us the opportunity for post-MAC insight from visiting teachers. Technology integration in teaching was insightful, and loved the cell claymation animation! The most useful was the Wallwisher website, as it is a perfect tool for the persnickety sticky note averse. Thank you for the course, Kristin and Jeff. It truly was a useful exercise.
Mark Parisi @ http://comics.com/off_the_mark/2010-03-27/
I read in Grown Up Digital that Gen M's brains are actually "wired" differently thanks to their interactions with technology from such a young age. Depending on who you ask, that can be either good or bad.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I have cautioned against the fragmenting effect of CPA (continuous partial attention), I have to admit that some level of this is necessary in the digital age. As your post above hints, it is up to us to utilize it with discretion, and (assuming this is possible, and I think it is) to be "directed in our information-gathering", versus simply being receptors for the next technological "buzz". Thanks for the post, and the funny! Why is it we single out French for this saying, versus another language? If I say something off color in a foreign language, it's more likely to be in German...
ReplyDeletehello! so I am one of those people who can not accomplish anything without a million things to do :)...the queen multi-tasker. But at the same time I try to fully focus on what I'm working on when I'm working on it...if not I find I just make mistakes! I guess the whole continuous partial attention thing makes me nervous!
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