Investigating the Internet & Productivity
(Week 2: Post 1)

Is the Internet Really a Productivity Tool?

Prior to watching the Single-Tasking is the New Multi-Tasking video, I wouldn’t have given much thought to whether the internet was a productivity tool or not. Originally, I probably would have felt like the internet was a useful tool to save time, and to find multiple sources of information in less time than it would be to go to a library, use the catalog system (on the internet) to find a book, and then use somewhat dated information to find what I was looking for. Therefore, I would have considered it to be a pretty useful productivity tool and something that I use often.

Although, after watching the video, I didn’t realize how much time I put towards multi-tasking. I am the WORST for opening tabs, and windows, and using ALT + TAB to jump from one window to the next quickly and easily. I know this drives many people crazy when they look at my screen and see not only the sheer number of windows I have going but then the endless number of tabs. Yes, even that over arrow is usually present to scroll to more tabs that are also open. So inevitably, that begs to ask the question of, am I really being productive?

Well to answer this question, I guess it depends on the individual and what they deem to be productive. Although many people may think that this isn’t the most productive way to do something, I would have to disagree. I find that being able to bounce between tabs and windows to find what I am looking for is usually helpful for me. Could it be more helpful if I would just bookmark the darn things and have less going? For sure. I acknowledge that and I think that I could probably have less going on and be more productive, but right now I find that it is working for me and I am maintaining that status quo. Maybe when I get more adventurous, I will branch out and try it out. That’s a growth mindset, isn’t it?

But like the video, I am off on a tangent that maybe isn’t quite answering the question at hand: Is the Internet really a productivity tool or merely an endless series of distractions? I definitely think it could be both. I mean, I use the internet daily in my teaching and learning, as well as in my personal life to look up quick facts or phone numbers, collaborate with peers, video conference, etc. so I think it is productive in that way. However, I can see the flip side where social media and other tools that are supported by the internet can be very distracting, and often one can find themselves down the rabbit hole of those ‘endless’ distractions. I hear TikTok is a lot like this, another reason for me to stay clear of that distraction, as the little spare time I have lately probably should be spent on many other pressing matters like cleaning the house or doing yard work.

So, I guess I am being indecisive, on choose whether not the internet is solely productive or solely a distraction. I am going to sit on the fence with this one, as I can see that it can be both. I feel like I am being a classic sixth-grader when learner about persuasive writing and trying to choose what stance (or side) I am going to stand on.

“Productivity is the deliberate, strategic investment of your time, talent, intelligence, energy, resources, and opportunities in a manner calculated to move you measurably closer to meaningful goals.”

Dan S. Kennedy

Have Productivity Tools Really Made Us Productive?

For the purpose of answering this question, I am going to mainly focus on Google Workplace and Microsoft 365, because this is what our group (Raquel, Deidra, and Allison) presented this week so that I can focus my attention on a few things, rather than the many options that are available. Like Singleton’s article, Microsoft 365 vs Google Workplace—Which is Best for Your Business? I think it comes down to personal choice and preference, or, what is mandated for you to use by your workplace or school division. But that still leaves the question, do these productivity tools and suites really make us more productive?

Again, this doesn’t feel like an answer that is definitely yes or no. I think it depends. Yes, the view up here from the fence I am sitting on is great. All jokes aside, I think that in a society that highly stresses and values productivity these tools are useful. But I disagree with the idealized notion that these productivity suites and tools make a person instantly productive. I think that it also depends on what someone is comfortable with. If you grow up using only Google products, then switch to Microsoft products, that will make a person less productive at first until they learn how to properly use and navigate the new suite. I think that productivity suites are helpful for the enhancement of productivity if implemented strategically and opportunities to learn how to use the suites properly were provided and constantly reviewed and renewed.

Some of the ways (but definitely not limited to the list below) I have found that productivity suites have made me more productive are:

• Lesson and unit planning,
• Sharing resources and not having the reinvent the wheel every time you teach something new or different,
• Making aesthetically appealing documents for personal and professional use,
• Correcting assignments (have you ever read a Grade 6 printed essay? It definitely takes way more time to read, correct and give feedback than if it were word processed),
• Organization of life and school events,
• Communication with peers and parents,
• Making more engaging assignments and presentations,
• Completing and creating forms, and,
• Getting feedback from peers, students, and parents/guardians.

In no way is this a comprehensive list of all the ways that productivity suites have made me more productive. However, what I do realize is that my elementary schooling experience prepared me for the future in the sense that I was taught how to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint very efficiently (Excel too, although I don’t use it often and therefore feel like a rusty nail using it). So I can see how productivity tools can make certainly help a person be productive if they have been taught how to use it and have supports to go to for help (other than Google that is…).

Bates (2019) also discussed productivity, and how in his experience faculty usually react negatively to the concept, “seeing it as industrializing the education process” (p. 42), but further questions something to the effect of wouldn’t it be more helpful to work smarter and not necessarily harder? So with that, I think that productivity tools can help one be more productive in theory, but in practice, it needs to be learned and supported in a multitude of ways. We cannot assume that just because people are using productivity suites that they will instantly catch on, use the tools properly and to the extent that they are intended to be used, and instantly be productive. There is a lot of teaching, learning, and mentorship that continually needs to take place.

If you have some time, check out the article: Schools Leverage Apps and Easy-to-Manage Suites of Learning Tools, as it has some really good ideas about setting educators up for success by building the right infrastructure to support teachers and learners.

It is not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

Henry David Thoreau

Are We Really More Productivie Now than Pre-Internet or Pre-Microsoft/Google?

I think in some ways we are more productive than we were pre-internet/Microsoft/Google, although I am not too sure to what extent. I mean, being able to type up documents and essays is something that would have taken a lot more time previously, so I guess we are more productive in that sense, but I am not too sure how far I would say are more productive than we were before.

I think with the evolution of technology, we may be more productive in some respects than we were before, but I wouldn’t say that 100% we are more productive now than we have ever been. I also have a hard time really speaking to pre-internet and pre-Microsoft/Google as I grew up with these technologies from their infancy to what they are now, and therefore, I am not sure what it was like before they were around. I remember things being less developed than they are today, but I can’t really speak firsthand to what it was like prior. This would definitely be something that I would love to have a discussion about, especially with people that have first-hand knowledge/experience.

Furthermore, this also brings to light productivity vs. efficiency. The Ultimate Guide to Productivity does a good job discussing the similarities and differences between productivity and efficiency as well as what productivity is. I highly recommend reading this article as it has some interesting points. Although it may seem like productivity is more valued than efficiency, or vice versa, I think it is imperative that there needs to be a good combination of both.

Action is the foundational key to all success.

Picasso

Let’s Chat! I’d Love to Hear More About…

Thanks again for reading my blog and hopefully you have been able to pick up on some of my sarcastic tones and know that at times I am joking. But I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Feel free to choose one or as many questions as you’d like to answer. Do not feel obligated to answer them all (sorry Mike!).

1. Like Singer’s article, in your experience were you drawn to the productivity suite that you used growing up or in your first work experience?
   
2. Do you have first-hand experience pre-internet/Microsoft/Google? If so, do you think we are more, less or equally as productive than before?
   
3. What productivity suite does your workplace use? What are your thoughts on it?
   
4. Do you love, hate or are indifferent about using productivity suites?