Multitasking (#134)

Original Air Date: Thursday, January 31, 2008

This episode examines how multitasking gadgets are changing the way we gather information, communicate, socialize, work and learn.

From individual behavior to personal relationships and society, the electronic revolution has generated concern about human evolution. Although the perception may be that multitasking is a means for meeting multiple demands on our time, new research indicates switching between tasks adds up to costly inefficiencies.

Guests for the program include Michael Bugeja, director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, Iowa State University and author of Interpersonal Divide; and Jan R. Bartlett, Ph.D., associate professor, Graduate Coordinator for Counseling, University of Northern Iowa.

Todd Mundt, program host, talks to Kay Henderson, News Director of Radio Iowa, about the results of the recent presidential candidate primaries and how they may affect the future of the Iowa caucuses. The two also discuss the status of the farm bill and if the roadblocks to passage will soon be resolved.

We'll also explore a revitalized urban neighborhood that sees itself as another small Iowa town as Out and About correspondent Dan Kaercher visits Des Moines' Historic East Village.