The Observer, March 30, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 22
A Fresh Perspective: Avoiding distractions key to productivity
Now that spring break is over, all of my classes are pushing forward to the end of the academic year. If I thought midterm week was hectic, I wasn't prepared for this after break madness. There's an increased amount of homework and papers as professors try to squeeze every last possible morsel of information into their curriculums before time is up. As the homework accelerates, I find myself (and others, for that matter) spending large amounts of time figuring out how exactly I am going to accomplish everything that is on my mile long to-do list.
Luckily, here at Case, there are so many places that serve well for studying. The library is excellent, though at times crowded. There are also coffeehouses that provide valuable caffeinated drinks for that extra push, as well as comfortable chairs and semi-secluded nooks that double as coffee-drinking and study areas. The list could go on.
Speaking of studying away from the dorm, how lucky is it that there is such an extensive wireless network here at Case. Students can access the Internet from practically anywhere they are studying. In addition, with the advancing mobile music technology, it is possible to transport large music collections in the pocket for listening on the go or away from the room. Cell phones provide a great way to communicate anywhere and anytime, just in case a call for homework help needs to be made. Instant messaging and e-mail also provide a similar convenience.
Though these technologies are blessings, they also have their negative effects. Take for example, the typical homework attempts that I observe in my dorm. A student will be sitting out in the common room, listening to his or her iPod while doing a paper of some sort. Occasionally, he or she will stop to check for new e-mail messages or to answer an incoming phone call. In addition, the student will have an away message up for instant messaging, but sometimes responds to IMs anyway.
By following some simple strategies, it is easier to avoid situations like the one described above. For example, I try to seclude myself as much as possible to do homework, even if that means walking to Arabica or even sitting outside. If I must be among any noise, I bring headphones along and listen to neutral background music that keeps my mind on the task at hand. I usually try to remember to sign off instant messenger or ignore incoming IMs when I'm doing something important. Turning off my cell phone would probably help as well, but I often leave it on in case of an emergency. However, I am often guilty of being distracted by either social situations or Internet and e-mail.
The key to productivity is to put on the blinders to block out technological and social interruptions. Isolation is also extremely important. I hope that by implementing strategies to thwart personal distractions, students will find it easier to be productive in this crucial point of the academic year.
McGreehan is a freshman Viola Performance/Music Education major involved in Symphonic Winds and Case/UC Symphony Orchestra.
