I was reading an article in Newsweek about the cognitive challenges of using a Blackberry. The constant interruptions while working make you less productive, impair your memory, and also impair your ability to make decisions.
The point of this was hammered home for me as I was interrupted no less than 25 times while reading the article, not by my BlackBerry; I don't have one, but rather by my two lovely daughters. I had the hardest time keeping track of where I was in the article and what the thread of the story was.
My whole life can be like that; school is the same way. Some mornings and most afternoons I have a hard time getting attendance taken because I have to walk diagonally through my classroom to get from the door to the computer, opening me to at least 12 interruptions. I'm so stressed about always having the secretary need to call or email me about the afternoon attendance, that I've even started dreaming about it! And don't get me started about the phone ringing during my lessons!
I have been known to have an emotional breakdown in my kitchen because not only can I not complete any one task without interruption, but often I am not allowed to complete any one thought. I might be on the verge of some great world saving invention, but we'll never know because I can't finish the- !
I love my technology. I often can't decide which I like better, my ipod or my DVR. I am clearly not a technophobe or a Luddite, but I'm going on record right now: I don't see myself ever getting a BlackBerry. Three children, one husband, one dog, twenty-five students, and assorted family, co-workers and friends are all the BlackBerry that I can handle.
2 comments:
I hear ya! I don't have a blackberry either... some days my cell phone is enough to make me bonkers... and I rarely even use it!
I don't have an ipod either. Or an MP3 player. I have a CD player in my van. LOL!!!
If you can finish a thought, check out my blog for a question I came across today that will get some really deep thoughts bouncing around in your head :)
I've sometimes wondered if all the reminder technology that we have doesn't actually make it harder for us to remember things. with our own brains that is. Maybe I can get a grant and conduct a study.
Post a Comment