Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tips for controlling internet distractions

library commons_1456_PBurch

Yesterday I talked about creating a distraction-free workspace, but what about the biggest distraction of all? The internet! We all succumb to the easy distraction of the internet, and students are no different.

Here are a few websites to help control internet distractions. I know. You're thinking, "a website to decrease distraction by the web?" Give it a try. It might help rein in your Pinterest addiction. Or your child's time spent on Facebook.

  • iFocus (www.ifocusonwork.com) is a free application for PC users and allows you to track how much you use your computer each day, including how much time you spend on various applications, such as email, web browsing, social networking, and word processing. You can also set limits on weekly and daily usage for each application.
  • SelfControl (www.selfcontrolapp.com) is a free Mac application to help you avoid distracting websites. It allows you to block your own access to distracting websites, mail servers, or anything else on the internet that distracts you. All you do is set a period of time and the sites you would like blocked and click start. You will not be able to access those sites until the time runs out.
  • Anti-Social (www.anti-social.cc), $15, is a Mac application that allows you to block only the social parts of the internet, such as Facebook and Twitter. You must reboot your computer if you want to access the sites before the time runs out.
  • MacFreedom (www.macfreedom.com), $10, is compatible with both Mac and PC. This application locks you from the internet for a set period of time. You must reboot your computer if you want to access the internet before the time runs out.

No comments:

Post a Comment

You might also enjoy: