BrainBuilder® is a "neurobic", computer-based training program that is designed to assess and build auditory and visual sequential processing abilities. With as little as ten minutes of daily mental exercise powerful gains can be made in short-term memory and thinking skills. In an intensive series of adaptive, interactive exercises, BrainBuilder trains the brain to expand its ability to sequentially process auditory and visual information. Sequential processing is fundamental to all learning activities, communication, social interaction and higher order cognitive functions.

The sequential processing activities all present sequences of digits presented in various ways either to the visual or auditory system. The program uses a sophisticated random number generator to ensure that number sequences are not repeated so the brain does not lock into a previously recognized pattern. The auditory activities are unique in that when the digits are presented, a different acoustic voice is used with each sequence presentation. This is so the ear and brain can tune in to voices with different pitches and tonal qualities in the sound spectrum. Each activity also involves a valuable motor component since answers are entered into the computer either using the computer mouse or the keyboard.

Intensity Activity

The Intensity Activity is an exercise of sustained attention. Designed to get your brain into the sharper focus required to master, the BrainBuilder activities. This exercise should be used every time you begin a new session. It helps to wake you up and raise your level of attention.

In the Intensity Activity, an eye is flashed on the screen for a fraction of a second. You should hit the spacebar as fast as possible if the eye is open; your score is the number of milliseconds between the time the eye is displayed and the moment when you press the spacebar. However, if the eye is closed, you should not hit the spacebar at all; doing so results in a penalty. In other words, the idea is to respond as quickly as possible, pressing the spacebar as soon as the open eye appears, and not touching the spacebar when the closed eye appears.

Visual Base Activity

The Visual Base Activity exercises immediate and short-term visual memory and conceptualization skills. Although simple in design and function, this activity is one of the most important.

The computer produces a random number, and after displaying it for a short time, erases it and prompts you to enter the number in the correct sequence. The length of the number depends on the level of your advancement; you might start out mastering four - or five - digit numbers, and eventually progress to nine or ten.

Visual Flash Activity

The Visual Flash Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term visual memory, visualization and conceptualization skills.

Much like the Visual Base Activity, this activity displays a set of numerals that once the presentation is complete, must be entered in the same order as they were given. However, they are displayed one at a time, and then must entered together in the correct sequence. The length of the number (how many digits it is composed of) is determined by your current level. This activity offers different selections for the speed at which the numbers are displayed.

Visual Reverse Activity

The Visual Reverse Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term visual memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. This activity is virtually identical to the Visual Flash Activity, with the singular difference that the digits must be entered in reverse order.

In other words, the numerals in the sequence are displayed one at a time in the box at the top of the screen, and then must be entered together in reverse order. For example, if the sequence 1-2-0-9-7-4 is displayed (one number at a time), you should enter 4-7-9-0-2-1. Like the Visual Flash Activity, this activity offers presentation speed selections.

Auditory Base Activity

The Auditory Base Activity exercises immediate and short-term auditory memory, and conceptualization skills. In this activity, a random sequence of digits, are presented by one of eight different voices in regularly timed one-second intervals. After the sequence is given you are prompted to enter in the numerals, in the correct sequence.

Auditory Random Activity

The Auditory Random Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term auditory memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. This activity is identical to the Auditory Base Activity with the exception that random pauses are inserted in the presentation of the numerals.

For example, in the Auditory Base Activity, the given sequence might be 0-5-1-2, while in the Auditory Random Activity it would be 0-5---1-2. However, the pauses don't affect how you should enter the sequence; the numerals should be entered in the same order in which they are read. auditory reverse activity

Auditory Reverse Activity

The Auditory Reverse Activity exercises immediate, working and short-term auditory memory, visualization and conceptualization skills. As in the Auditory Base Activity, a random sequence is presented by one of eight different voices, which change throughout the activity.

After the sequence is given, you should enter it in the reverse order of how it was read. For example, if the sequence given is 0-5-1-1-9-9, you should enter 9-9-1-1-5-0.

BrainBuilder - System Requirements

WINDOWS®:

486 processor or better 68040

8MB RAM

Microsoft Windows 95 or higher

640X480, 256 color display

Double-speed CD-ROM drive

Windows compatible sound card

MACINTOSH®:

processor or higher, or Power PC

8 MB RAM

System 7.1 or higher

640 X480, 8 bit video

Double-speed CD-ROM drive

The BrainBuilder Home Version allows up to five family members to use the program on a single computer. It includes all seven of the neurodevelopmental activities with individual data and progress reporting and analysis. This version of BrainBuilder is intended for families for private, personal use only.