View Content #21854

With the slogan, “Disconnect to Reconnect,” what started as a one day “holiday” from devices and social media is now also an app, developed by CASLS’ Educational Software Developer Carl Burnstein. Analog U is a co-curricular initiative of the Division of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Oregon with the goal of facilitating awareness around meaningful use of technology. The application is designed to help people assess their technology use and reflect on that usage (or non-usage) through exercises and activities built around reinforcing mindful use of technology.

There are four main exercises on the app so far, Take Time to Do Nothing, Use One Digital Device at a Time, Do Something Analog Style, and Make a Resolution to Not Text or Do Social Media While Driving. All four exercises employ timers that the person sets, followed by a reflection section where they can reflect on how things went. For example, with Take Time to Do Nothing, research shows that doing a little bit of nothing helps your brain process information. The person can choose a certain amount of time to set aside for doing nothing. Once they set the timer they put their device away and do nothing, and when the timer is up it will alert the person. They are then prompted to assess how doing nothing went for them and reflect on the process and outcome. The other three exercises follow the same pattern. In addition, there are some guided meditations included to help with overall mindfulness training.

Analog U Day happens every Earth Day, and the app is currently in development and is set to be released at the beginning of UO's winter quarter (January 9, 2017) for both Android and iOS devices. “I like the concept of learning how to use your tech purposefully and not let it control you,” says Carl Burnstein about the project. The idea of self-assessment and reflection carries over into all aspects of life, personal and academic; for example, asking language students to assess and reflect on their language use (or non-use) in a similar manner as Analog U. LingaFolio, including LingaFolio Online, employs this strategy as students progress in their language proficiency.