Blinks

Abstract: 

In 2012, there was research published that has shown eye blinks correlate to the space between sentences and breaks that allow the brain to absorb information. Through this research when analyzing the brain activity, blinking plays a role in adjusting focus and aiding concentration. This presentation will absorb the connection between "blinking" and focus related to the use of technology when learning. Activities will include different live demonstrations with focus and concentration in blinking. Topics will include focus, concentration, technology in classrooms vs text in classrooms and confidence in the ability to learn with technology. Outcomes will include the importance of blinking in the ability to retain information. As well as show how the attractiveness of technology allows the eye to separate information through "blinks." Why: Blinking is a process our brain will do without thought or force. The main cause for blinking is to hydrate our eyes, but it goes way beyond just hydration. Blinking allows for a physical connection in digesting information. This form of connection will show a physical separation of ideas and thought processes. By blinking, the brain is registering and organizing information through each blink. Examples of Study through Experiment: Throughout my own personal research I have found that students of all ages have this connection in retaining information through blinking. In an experiment with 15 Union County College students, participants were tested on retaining information based off unintentional and intentional blinking. Participants were tested on comprehension of physical passages and passages via technology. They were tested on a passage of reading without focus on blinking and then a separate passage - focused on blinking. Results have shown a higher accuracy of comprehension of the material when blinking was the focus. Text vs Technology: Further results of this experiment have also shown participants paid more attention of the passage assigned on technology rather than the physical passage. The score gap from the physical passage of unintentional to intentional blinking was larger compared to technological testing. Studying more into why, was proven (through survey) that our eyes have more connection on movement and being able to customize the visual image to our own comfort. Physical text forces this “one size fits all,” where technology allows a “pick your size that best fits” method. With creating your own comfort to visually see information, our eyes feel more comfort and our blinking becomes more unintentional - creating a more fluid environment in comprehending information. Live Demonstrations: Live demonstrations will include participating from the audience in similar tests presented through listed experiment.

Extended Abstract: 

       

Conference Track: 
N/A
Session Type: 
Concurrent Session
Intended Audience: 
All Attendees