enhancing learner outcomes through transcranial direct ... · darpa research: sniper training •...
TRANSCRIPT
Enhancing Learner Outcomes Through
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
(tDCS)
Brent Williams, PhD Director, KSU iTeach Center
[email protected] www.iteachcenter.org
Not Your Average “EDU” Presentation
• No Boring Stuff Here! • You Will Be Talking About This! • Putting you on the edge of practical, cognitive
research • Cranial Stimulation for the Masses? • What your students behind your back! • How to Respond
tDCS is All About Simply and Safely Improving Your Brain
• What Research Shows About tDCS • Learning Enhancement • Memory Improvement • Other Uses of tDCS • DIY tDCS • Ethical Implication
– The “Haves” and “Have-nots”
Brain Functions Well Mapped
• Era of MRI, Functional MRI, etc.
We Know Where to Stimulate the Brain
We Know HOW to Stimulate the Brain
• Equipment has been expensive and complex • Surgery for Deep Brain Implants • FDA Approved Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
• New but Old • tDCS “Rediscovered”
– About 10 years ago – Dr. Michael Nitsche,
University of Gottingen • Depression Study
• More Research at – MIT, Harvard Medical, Emory, Ga Tech, etc.
• It begins to go mainstream when….
US Air-Force Reveals Using tDCS
• Air-Force Training – Drone pilots – Air Traffic Control – USAF Wright-Patterson
DARPA Research: Threat Identification
• Complex Scenes – Quickly Spotting Threat – Reduction of False Positive
DARPA Research: Sniper Training
• From terrible shot to marksman in 30 minutes • “Get yourself out of the way” • Sharper, calmer, no fear, no doubt • Reliable target identification • (Univ of New Mexico)
University Research
• Harvard Medical School, MIT, many others • Emory to 2015: Depression • GaTech/Ga State: Stroke • DARPA Funded Research at UNM
tDCS Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
• Enhance – Memory – Learning – Creativity – Visual Acuity
• Reduce – Depression – Chronic Pain – Learning Disability
“Thanks to you Brent and my home made tDCS I kicked a 20+ year drug habit - sounds kinda dramatic I guess - I'm referring to antidepressants.”
How tDCS Works
• A very low direct current (1-2 mA) is applied to the skull at specific locations for up to 30 minutes. (About 0.0015 watts!)
• Make neuron firing easier or harder • Repeat to extend "stick" of treatment • Depending on sponge placement, various
effects can be achieved
Commercial tDCS Devices
Build it Yourself? DIY tDCS
Is it safe?
• When properly used, there are no known safety issues!
• Reports of very minor tingling during treatment
• Possible irritation from saline sponges • Rarely dizziness at session conclusion • FDA is “hands off”
Savant Learning
• Savants Have Special Ability – Brain injury can cause savant-like ability to surface – Kim Peek (Rain Man) Photographic memory of
8,600 books • tDCS Research
– Allan Snyder, Center for the Mind, Univ of Sydney • Diminish Left Brain Influence, Enhance Right • http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/neurobotics/s
mart/115.asp
Memory Improvement
• Typical 20 to 50% Memory Improvement • Retention Tests Show Memories Stick • List of Names, Facts • Vocabulary • Name / Image Pairs (ex: Landmarks) • Applications
– Us! – Alzheimer's
Memory Improvement - Language
The Ethics of Brain Boosting
• Have’s and Have-Nots • How Young is Too Young? • Do we ignore? • Do we train?
What are the implications of this “new” technology?
• Students – K-12 – a new “have’s” and “have-nots” – Higher Ed – growing use in high-pressure
academic, engineering, and research classes • Treatment of depression, stroke, etc.
– Major problem in High School, College – 10% of General Population is Depressed
The DIY tDCS Movement
• Issues – tDCS Can Not Be Patented – FDA is hands off so far – No Drug Money to Promote – Few Doctors are Aware
• Enter DIY – Curious or Desperate for Help – Building tDCS Devices – Developing Protocols
Availability Grows
• tDCS Enters Mainstream • www.foc.us
– $249 tDCS Headset – Marketed to “Gamers”
• Attempt to avoid too much FDA attention
What is next? More Research!
• tDCS effectiveness on K-12 learners and higher-ed learners
• Development of guidelines for use by students – Guidelines for use in schools / testing
• Develoment of Safety Standards for DIY • Getting the word out!
– Wired, NY Times, Scientific American, etc.
Action Items
• Too Good To Be True? – Google tDCS – Visit www.pubmed.gov
• Search tDCS – Visit www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com
–Most Important: • Visit www.speakwisdom.com
• Questions: [email protected]
Questions and Comments?
• We Are Happy to Speak to Your Group – Or Provide PD and Consulting
• Email: [email protected] • Visit: www.iteachcenter.org • Call: 770-499-3262
• Thank you!