What Are You Even Doing?

I suppose in my last post that I didn't really explain WHAT my tutorial actually is. Yes, there's stuff about productivity and computer science... but why?

Introduction

Procrastination and productivity are probably the two biggest issues when we talk about school/work, and technology. We have this notion that 'technology,' and I say that in quotes for a reason, is 'bad' - it's too distracting and we never get stuff done. Society believes that the issues of procrastination and getting things done is technologies fault. There's hundreds of computer and phone apps that help with productivity, but the issue is not with what we use... but who uses it and how do they use it.

How do we use modern technology? Do we use it as a bandaid for self-management? Do we incorporate it into our everyday lives where it becomes a habit and not an after thought? 

Personally, for me technology is a tool - after all that's the true meaning of it. Why aren't there more innovative themes, methods and upcoming technologies that help us become productive and efficient? Before starting this project, I looked into books thinking I could find a good sum of them to help me understand the positive relationship between technology and productivity. To my surprise, there's a bunch on time management and anti-procrastination, but nothing to meld it with technology to create real positive solutions. Sure, high-speed internet use and smart phones are annoying triggers for spoiling productive habits... but it doesn't have to be that way. Well, that's why I'm here.

Goals

My goals are simple, to remove the clutter of productivity jargon and to create a healthy and productive relationship with technology. There is a fine line of abuse and usage - but either for relief or workloads, it can be an enjoyable experience. Over the next 10 weeks, I will dive into new approaches, tools, design workflows to investigate what's going wrong when we are trying to be productive. Why does it trigger that lazy side of us? We strive for innovation, but we are so oblivious to the very lifestyle changes that could make that a daily reality. Of course, it's not a 1 word answer - there's factors such as community, emotional intelligence, leadership, and work/school place culture. My research will be taking me from productivity articles, the top productive apps, personality triggers, to even an online class to teach me how to design a productive workflow.

At the end of my 10 weeks, I will be hosting a productivity and time-management workshop. My workshop will summarize my months of research - as I monitor progress for being my own test subject. Everything I learn, I will apply and test it into my own life. As I track my progress through this blog, my workshop material will develop. The workshop will not just be a 'lecture' but I will be creating a tangible and re-usable resource package to give and circulate. My findings (I hope) will reflect honest habits, practical solutions, and why they work. The most important bit is to remove the stigma that technology is the bane of our existence - we created for a reason, and now it's about time we evaluate the pros and cons to innovate. I honestly believe it was laid out in the opposite way of how we concieve technology - we may be receptive to actually understanding it. If we take  away the flashing lights, and touch screens, we can show that it really isn't that bad. Breaking down the understanding through trial and error will be the key component to develop a productive and effective environment.

Categories: Computer Science, Technology