Multitasking.wmv

Professor Daniel Willingham looks at multi-tasking and concludes that even though kids today may like to multi-task, there's no reason to think that they are different than previous generations; they don't *need* to multi-task to be engaged and, like everyone else, kids today can't do two things at once as well as they can do one.

• Category

  Education

[58jtaylor]

Your videos are great! Thanks for uploading them. I have a question, would you say that the attention span of a generation of kids that have grown with constant electronic stimulation, has given them a shorter attention span? Also with alot of indoor activity vs outdoor activity, would you say that they are unlikely to take jobs that require hard physical work?

[Daniel Willingham]

The data indicate that short attention span is *not* a particular problem for this generation. There are some really intriguing experiments on the cognitive benefits of nature--really surprising, cool stuff. But whether outdoor jobs are appealing. . .I don't know, I think there are probably lots of factors contributing to that. . .

[Scott Merrick]

I like the pace and the message in your video, but would submit that it would be more meaningful if some research citations accompanied it. "Some studies..." is just the kind of reference I tell my kids to distrust in any media.

[Daniel Willingham]

@Optomystic: good advice to your kids!

An article in the summer issue of _American Educator_ on technology and education is due out in days, and will be free on the web. . .it has a section on multi-tasking that has citations. . .I'll post something here when it comes out.

dan

[Stephreads]

Really appreciate being able to get your videos on your site so they can be shown to students at school. (No YouTube allowed.)

[Daniel Willingham]

It's also on TeacherTube now. . .

[CameronTheCool]

I was thinking the exact same thing lmao

[Trinder3467]

I have to disagree a little bit, since I multi-task at work at the time and believe it or not it works well for me. I'm 25 (adult), male. I do both office work and some related job on the outside. They're different tasks but what's more interesting is that this gives me an opportunity to refresh my mind away from the office tasks which in return gives me new ideas on how to make better moves on the others task. So, basically I'm saving myself from office depression (which affects most people)

[mohamed haja sharif]

very nice illustrations about multi tasking

[billizzard]

lets put it this way, if i use my xbox 360 and my youtube on pc, then my internet works slower if you know what i mean!

[0monolith]

someone get this guy powerpoint or something.

[58jtaylor]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and in such short notice. I look forward to your future videos, hopefully they can change the way that current education is taught. keep up the great work ;)

[rh001YT]

I question whether common sense can really be imparted to those lacking by way of (sort of) scientific explantions or studies. I recommend the movie "Siddartha" to all (I disagree with the ending). Persons are also advised to be honest to self about why a distraction is sought, and why excuses are made. The desire for a distraction during study is all you need to recognize to know that the distraction must be avoided. and you do know - but make excuses. seek what is advantageous-not flattery.

[Rachael Martines]

story of my life.