BRAIN TRAINING SOFTWARE AND THE LEARNING PROCESS

Paper presented at the 18^th APECA Biennial Conference August 2010, Pulau Pinang
By. Dr Othman Mohamed, University Putra malaysia

INTRODUCTION

The learning process is very much related with the cognitive mind.  Ideation emanating from the traditional learning process such as SQ3R and accelerated learning strategies have a strong foundation of using memory retention and recollections.   A novel Ideation in the post modern computer based digital phenomena are elements related with virtual vision, perception of objects, speed time frame, motor movements and instant data feedback.

The traditional elements of the role of the conscious and unconscious mind in addition to the stimulus-response behaviours about the learning process are still found to be useful and relevant in this post modern computer based digital world.  Essentially, the cognitive process is very much related with the brain (Jensen, E., 2008)   Since the day the child is born, the brain is not a limiting factor.  In fact, the brain is so plastic that individuals are not fossilized with the brain they were born with.  The brain as neuroscience have found can be trained to be better and be more fit.

            Brain fitness is just as essential as physical fitness.  Exercises of the body promote physical fitness, and in parallel, proper exercise of the mind promotes brain fitness.  This finding provides the path toward the possible change and modification about the positive effects that may influence the brain because of its plasticity.  In other words this amazing possibility of restructuring may help individuals especially children to be more mind fit and a readiness for lifelong learning.

BRAIN TRAINING

The ideation of brain training is built on the premise that by strengthening memory, attention, sequencing and processing rate, the brain necessarily will restructure in an amazing flexible and powerful form hence improving the brain’s potential (Jensen, E. 2005).  In this sense, any child and for that matter adults too may benefit in their learning process because of this brain plasticity.

            Neuroscience provides the ideation and research as provided for by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the Mayo Clinic in the United States of America, indicating that computer assisted brain training can improve the cognitive skills that are necessary for learning.  Nevertheless, understanding the learning process, there is a need for a theoretical foundation toward any development of such brain training efficiency and even so in aspects of the formulation and construction of brain training software.

            Initially, computer games development is reward specific.  Games of leisure are developed that provide for the stimulation of the mind and subsequently with the game players being rewarded in virtual forms.  Computer games that evolves beyond only virtual rewards incorporates data accumulation, strategic focus, information and knowledge awareness, and problem solution.  The potential on the learning process is enormous.  Nevertheless, the limitation of these games revolves on its specificity and the absence of a concrete theoretical conceptualization about the Gestalt integration necessary for the learning process.

SYMBIOTIC QUADRANTS IN BRAIN GAMES DEVELOPMENT

The need for a Gestalt integration of form, structure, consciousness of the cognitive mind focus, memory retention, digit span and perceptual sensitivity provides for a formidable integration of the theoretical platform.  This ideation paves the access toward a theoretical conceptualization of a symbiotic integration on the theoretical IQ elements of verbal skills, motor coordination, digital span, perception and spatial relationship;   learning acquisition for knowledge and information; the psychoanalytic dimension of the consciousness; and the total Gestalt holistic integration. This conceptualization is depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Symbiotic Quadrants in Brain Games Development

Othman Mohamed, 2010 in Matroll Concept, Brain-X Trainer 5 Manual

BRAIN TRAINING COMPUTER GAMES

An excellent example of a brain training computer software is the BRAIN X-TRAINER 5 version 5.6 (Matroll Concept, 2010) which incorporates games like modular elements  of Color Match; Quick Maths; Word Magic; and Puzzle Twist. (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

BRAIN X-TRAINER 5 version 5.6

Matroll Concept , 2010. Matroll Technologies Sdn. Bhd.

THE PSYCHODYNAMIC PROCESS

Noteworthy in the development process of the brain training and learning software is the recognition of the elementary significance of the role of the consciousness.  The psychodynamic process provides for this clear understanding of the conscious and unconscious elements prevailing during the learning process.  The existence of a fast repetitive element in the brain training and learning software signify the readily growth of new neurons connectivity in the brain.  This is essential for basic mind alertness and the capacity for retention and recollection of data acquisition.

IQ FOUNDATIONS

The foundation of mental dexterity is normally measured through the process of an IQ evaluation.  The Wechsler is essentially an IQ evaluation conceptualized on the acumen of verbal skills, arithmetical acumen, motor skills and perceptual flexibility of individuals.  There is universal acceptance of the various items of the Wechsler Scales albeit modification upon cultural differences.

            Nevertheless, brain training and learning software developers ought to consider the feasibility of incorporating selected IQ scales items such as the Wechsler in the process construction of the software.  Again, the presence of speed time element benefits the potential growth of the brain neurons connectivity.

            In the BRAIN X-TRAINER 5 version 5.6 software, Color Match is consistent with the Wechsler Verbal Scale items on Similarities; Quick Maths is consistent with Arithmetic, Digit Span; Word Magic is consistent with Vocabulary; and Puzzle Twist is consistent with the Performance Scale items such as Picture Completion, Picture Arrangement, Block Design, and Object Assembly.

THE LEARNING STRATEGIES

There is a relationship between cognitive skills and learning.  Processing speed and memory too are deemed important in the learning process.  Learning strategies such as the SQ3R techniques requires adept abilities of verbal processing, memory retention and poise recollections of data acquisition.

            The strength and speed of mental skills may well influence how individuals perform new mental task better, hence providing the positive avenues toward successful learning.  In the new knowledge economy, the adept abilities of individuals especially children to master the verbal and performance skills requires mental alertness and brain agility.

Brain training and learning software such as the Word Magic in BRAIN X-TRAINER 5 version 5.6 do provide the suggestive unconscious the tapping of the reserves on the individual mind.  Also, the random repetitive structure of the game module, consistent with the progressive processing speed ensures rapid growth of the neurons connectivity.

GESTALT INTEGRATION

The common element that binds children and families are the parents.  The parent role is pivotal toward steering the child’s mental health and the learning process.  Family bonding becomes an important ingredient ensuring a Gestalt integration of the physiological well being, mind, emotion, and spiritual wellness.

            The Gestalt integration ensures the multiple dimensions of cognitive behaviours, the spiritual-emotional well being, and musicology ought to be incorporated in brain training and learning software development.  Engagement in learning provides for an interesting challenge about the problem that confronts the learner within reasonable reach and achievement.  Moreover, the Gestalt integration also generate that moment of change in neurons when the brain is actually learning.

CONCLUSION

Brain training and the learning process is closely entwined with the findings of cognitive neuroscience.  As more research are being conducted and observations about the world of training and learning become evident, it is a fact that constant training is a necessary form in order that tutoring in its singularity is supported strongly by practice. Immediate evaluation feedback upon what has been learned and achieved too is important. It is obvious that learning incorporates many forms.  For example, to play musical instruments such as the guitar, the saxophone or the piano cannot be a success without actual practice sans tutoring.  Brain training is indeed an important supportive element in ensuring a better learning process.

References

Jensen, E. (2005).                  

Teaching with the brain in mind.  Virginia:  Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Jensen, E. (2008). 

Brain-based Learning: The new paradigm of teaching. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Matroll Concept (2010). 

Brain-X Trainer 5 version 5.6.  Kuala Lumpur:  Matroll Technology Sdn. Bhd.

Othman Mohamed (2001).   

Prinsip psikoterapi dan pengurusan dalam kaunseling. Serdang: Penerbit Universiti Putra  Malaysia.