CCL03

CCL3: How to Use Your District Laptop

As you know, laptops are an essential tool for academic purposes. However, it is important to use them wisely and only for academic purposes. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively ¹. Multitasking can take place when someone tries to perform two tasks simultaneously, switch from one task to another, or perform two or more tasks in rapid succession. Psychologists have conducted task-switching experiments to determine the costs of this kind of mental "juggling" ².

In addition, a survey-based study analyzed the multitasking practices of 360 students during homework and in class. Participants frequently multitasked during homework (e.g., 41% reported very frequent texting on their phones), as well as in class (e.g., 31% reported very frequent texting on their phones) ³.

I frequently see students use district laptops for non-academic purposes, neglect their studies, and fail the class.

Therefore, we advise you to use your laptops only for academic purposes. This is also in line with St. Louis Public School Policy which states that the use of any District technology is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to use their computer in accordance with the district’s 1:1 laptop policy and procedures, and any applicable laws ⁴.

I hope that you will take this advice seriously and use your laptops responsibly.

- Academic purposes: For school or learning

- American Psychological Association (APA): A professional organization for psychologists in the United States

- Multitask: Doing more than one thing at the same time

- Task-switching: Changing from one task to another

- Juggling: Doing many things at the same time

- Survey-based study: A study that collects information by asking people questions

- Participants: People who take part in a study

- District: An area or region with a specific purpose, such as a school district

- Neglect: To not give enough care or attention to something

- St. Louis Public School Policy: Rules made by the St. Louis Public School system

- Privilege: A special right or advantage given to a person or group

- 1:1 laptop policy and procedures: Rules for using laptops provided by the school district

Summary of SLPS Technology Policies

Students are allowed to use SLPS technology for educational purposes, but they have to follow certain rules. They can't copy or change other people's files or passwords, and they have to respect other people's privacy. The school monitors what students do online and blocks certain websites that are not allowed. Students can only use the computers when they have permission. The school can look at what students create or send on the computers. If students don't follow the rules, they can get in trouble. Using the computers is a privilege, not a right.

Full Policy: http://sab.slps.org/Board_Education/policies/6163.6.htm

Tips for Students on Using SLPS Technology Appropriately

1. Make a schedule or to-do list: Juggling multiple projects and deadlines at school can be stressful. Creating a schedule or to-do list can help you stay organized and focused ¹.

2. Turn off alerts: Constant notifications and text messages can be distracting. Put your phone on silent or in "Do Not Disturb" mode, and close unnecessary tabs on your computer. If you need the Internet, keep one tab open. You can fight online distractions by blocking or hiding time-wasting websites and apps ¹².

3. Break down your work into smaller tasks: Defeat procrastination by breaking a large project into small pieces ¹.

4. Use headphones: Listening to music or white noise can help you concentrate and block out background noise ¹.

5. Find the right place to do work: Choose a quiet place with good lighting and minimal distractions ¹³.

6. Clear your desk: A cluttered workspace can be distracting. Keep your desk clean and organized ¹.

7. Reward yourself: Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve them. This will help you stay motivated and focused ¹.

I hope these tips help you stay focused while using your laptop for school work!

CCL03 Quiz: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=az3jCFSmakiA4yCxkK4i12MhW5tob_5Nt-upAjXHKrNUMkUzNDJIUUNQRkJHVDhGM0E3S0ZWQVhMVC4u

Email jason.mccoy@slps.org with CCL03 to get credit.

Sources

(1) Multitasking Statistics to Pique Your Interest [2023 Edition]. https://bing.com/search?q=multitasking+and+learning+statistics.

(2) Multitasking: Switching costs - American Psychological Association (APA). https://www.apa.org/topics/research/multitasking.

(3) Does multitasking in the classroom affect learning outcomes? A .... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563220300200.

(4) Media Multitasking and Cognitive, Psychological, Neural, and Learning .... https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/140/Supplement_2/S62/34180/Media-Multitasking-and-Cognitive-Psychological.

(6) Board of Education of the City of St. Louis - St. Louis Public Schools. https://www.slps.org/Page/6.

(7) COVID-19 Resources for Families / Coronavirus FAQ - St. Louis Public .... https://www.slps.org/CovidFAQs.

(8) ARTICLE 5: STUDENTS - St. Louis Public Schools. http://sab.slps.org/Board_Education/policies/ARTICLE_5.htm.

(1) 7 ways to avoid distractions and stay focused on studying - Discover. https://www.discover.com/student-loans/college-planning/college-life/academics/how-to-avoid-distractions-stay-focused.

(2) 4 Ways to Avoid Distractions Online - wikiHow Life. https://www.wikihow.life/Avoid-Distractions-Online.

(3) Homework & Study Distraction Tips From The Experts - Oxford Learning. https://www.oxfordlearning.com/study-without-getting-distracted-tips/.

(4) 21 Ways to Reduce Digital Distractions During Online Classes and .... https://smartsocial.com/post/prevent-homework-distractions.

(5) Digital Distractions – Learning Center. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/decreasing-digital-distractions/.

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