We spend more time multitasking than we ever have before, but studies show that 98% of us aren't actually very good at it.
Dozens of studies agree that both young people and adults are far less effective as learners, communicators and problem solvers when they are distracted. The reason it feels effortless to jump between hypertext links on Wikipedia or Twitter hashtags while we are transcribing lecture notes or finishing up assignments is because we actually are expending less effort and, as a result, we are also learning less.
Our most popular course, The Art & Science of Coaching Online Live is of course online learning. We always recommend that your limit you distractions as much as possible before (preparation), during and after, (reflection) joining us online. The first step is to find somewhere quiet, relatively private with a good WIFI signal, away from attention seeking pets or family members. Get your coffee, tea, or beverage of choice ready before the session so you don't have to pop out and break your concentration. Once you are at your computer, like the infographic below suggests, log out of social media accounts, your email account, and put your phone out of sight
It's much more productive to focus on one task at a time. The graphic below breaks down the costs multitasking takes on the quality of the "study hours" we wile away doing just about everything but studying:
Online Learning & Multitasking Infographic Source: onlineschools.org
