A new study finds workers who use text messaging at the office actually report fewer interruptions.

We found that the effect of instant messaging is actually positive. People who used instant messaging reported that they felt they were being interrupted less frequently. ... instant messaging was often used as a substitute for other, more disruptive forms of communication such as the telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face conversations. Using instant messaging led to more conversations on the computer, but the conversations were briefer, said R. Kelly Garrett, co-author of the study and assistant professor of communication at Ohio State."


I wonder how many teachers have tried using IM in order to reduce distractions during a learning exercise?

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