Computerized brain fitness programs bring us new tools to equip students for the future both in the classroom and beyond. They allow highly individualized training regimens with the ability to analyze results over time.
There are different programs that can be helpful: 1) stress management can be learned by students of all ages and capabilities, lasts a lifetime, and helps them cope with test anxiety, anger management, and other emotional problems; 2) working memory training for attention deficits; and 3) developing the cognitive skills used in sports like basketball.
Problem |
Solution |
|
|---|---|---|
| Performance blocks such as test, math, and reading anxieties | Stress Management Training teaches students to achieve physiological balance, mental clarity, and emotional stability. This in turn, reduces the anxieties and significantly improves academic performance. | |
| ADD/ADHD and working memory deficits | Working Memory Training helps students develop the skills to focus their attention and control their impulses better. | |
| Core game skills like reaction time, peripheral vision, real-time decision-making | Basketball Training helps students to train their cognitive game skills and make game night a little more fun...and brilliant. |
Students using these brain fitness programs improve their self-esteem and confidence, focus and attention, motivation to succeed, anger management, self-reliance, impulse control, test scores, comprehension, and problem solving.
Technology & Learning magazine, widely read among school administrators, has published a good article on one of our programs. Read Take a Deep Breath: Biofeedback software is helping students calm down for better test performance.
Further Reading
- Klingberg T, Fernell E, Olesen PJ, et al. Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD--a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2005;44:177-86.
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Education Today
- Cognitive Neuroscience and ADD/ADHD Today
- Learning Through a Virtuous Learning Cycle
- Cognitive Training and ADD/ADHD: Interview with Prof. David Rabiner
- Cognitive Simulations for Basketball Game-Intelligence: Interview with Prof. Daniel Gopher
- IntelliGym for basketball: ESPN video with the Memphis Tigers
