This assignment started out by having each chat group member complete one set of tasks. I chose the set related to time management and focus, which included reading an article, and then downloading and using an app for a day that utilizes the techniques from the article. Following this, we had to chat with our new chat group for an hour, introducing ourselves, talking about our term projects, discussing how the internet can be used to help us focus, to block out distractions, and to schedule attentional breaks, and then talking about our experiences with the app we downloaded and used.
From the article I had to read, I learned about the “Pomodoro Technique” as a form of time management. It involves working on a task for 25 minutes straight, then taking a 5 minute break, then working for 25 minutes, then a short break again. After 4 25 minute segments, you can take a longer break of 15 or 20 minutes. This technique allows you to have a goal in mind of working the whole segment of time, because you will be rewarded with a break if you do. There are many apps based off of this, and the one I downloaded and used is called “Flat Tomato”.
During the group chat, we all shared our term projects at the start. Seraph and I are doing the whole course option while Erin is doing the deep dive option. I am doing the daily journal, Seraph is doing for the unit summary, and Erin is doing research about how the Internet changes people’s attention.
For how the Internet can be used to help direct focus, to block out distractions, and to schedule attentional breaks, we have talked about how iPhone has a new feature to help people tracking their screen time weekly, and how we can utilize the reminding apps like Google Calendar to keep track of the tasks we need to do and to remind us to eat healthy or sleep on time. I described that I text himself the tasks I need to do because that works well for me to get the reminder often. Erin and Seraph both love to use the reminder apps to keep them accountable.
Next, Erin shared about her one-day experience of setting her phone to DoNotDisturb while she went to grocery shopping and while biking. When she received a text, it would automatically reply that she couldn’t talk now, because she was on the road. We all felt that feature make us be present with no disturbs from the notifications.
After, I shared about my experience of the Pomodoro Technique which helps people focus better and get motivated to finish tasks. Seraph talked about her experience with using the app called “Moment” that can track your screen time and tell you what apps you were on while holding the phone. All 3 of us recommended the apps to others, and plan on continuing to use them moving forward at least occasionally.
Reflecting on the assignment, it was great to experience our first chat with our new chat group! The 2 girls in my group, Erin and Seraph, seem like very nice people, and gave some very insightful comments throughout the conversation. I really look forward to getting to know them and their opinions more throughout the rest of the semester!
Additionally, I like how professor Gernsbacher allowed us to choose which set of activities we wanted to do. They included solutions for distracted driving, time management, and keeping track of social media use. They are all very solid topics, however, for me, time management is super important and relevant to me in college, so I chose that. I learned a technique that may be effective in staying focused on tasks, which is valuable!
It was cool that we did not only just read an article about the topic, but actually download and use the app for at least a day as well. This gave me a personal experience with the technique I learned about, giving me a much better understanding of it and allowing me to truly evaluate it. This hands-on approach is great for learning and can provide something that can help people like myself going forward. I hope there are more activities like this before the semester closes out!
Nicky's Blog 