Will Brain-Twitter Interface breakthrough yield distance learning access?

A 23-character post on the social networking site Twitter would not normally generate headlines and excitement in the scientific world, but Adam Wilson posted an update without typing – he just thought about it. The post in April by the University of Wisconsin biomedical engineering doctoral student may signal the potential for access to distance learning for individuals with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), brain-stem stroke, locked-in syndrome, or spinal cord injury.

Wilson’s “using EEG to send tweet” post was part of the collaborative Brain-Twitter Interface project between the University of Wisconsin and scientist Gerwin Schalk and others at the Wadsworth Center in Albany, NY. The purpose of their endeavor was to develop a communication interface that reacts to brain activity related to changes seen on a computer screen.

Here’s how it works: the operator wears a cap with electrodes to record brain activity. He has a particular word in mind as he watches a computer screen with an alphabet. The operator stares at the desired first letter on the screen. All of the letters are flashing off and on, but when the target letter flashes, the brain registers a recordable change in level of activity.

The letter is noted as “different” from all the others and the system types the letter. The operator moves to the second letter and the process continues until the entire word or sentence is spelled out. The operator can communicate through the written word using only his brain to “text.”

One of the primary concerns of individuals with locked-in syndrome or stroke is communication because of their inability to speak normally. Their brains may be functioning but they cannot express their needs or respond to questions verbally. These patients must find other ways to communicate, and many use technology to make that happen.

This new Brain-Twitter Interface technology appears to be a breakthrough for these patients, not only for day-to-day communication with caregivers, but also for access to distance learning or discussions through virtual media. It may open more opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Distance learning already affords access to homebound or physically challenged individuals who find attending a traditional classroom difficult or impossible. If the Brain-Twitter Interface can be refined so that the operator can respond to instructor questions and complete assignments, then educational opportunities are certainly within reach.

Imagine typing a paper or responding to a virtual discussion question using only your brain – no need to type using your fingers. For the instructor, there would be no visible distinction between those students using special technology and those typing the standard way – all the assignments would appear the same. Communication through writing would be a level playing field for everyone in the classroom.

To be practical for everyday use, the technology may require a speedier portal or use of T9-type software, which is used in cell phones to text type using the nine key numeric keypad. Words are recognized through the software based on a database of commonly used words. Could the Brain-Twitter Interface employ similar technology for faster word entry?

The Brain-Twitter Interface is an exciting step forward in learning the mechanics of communication, but also discovering the possibilities that are just within reach. Communication is a critical need for everyone, as it creates community in our circle of contact. However, communication also makes learning possible as it allows discussion and clarification of knowledge, allowing the learner to grasp what is unknown. For those who find verbal or typed communication difficult, the Brain-Twitter Interface may be the key to finding new virtual pathways to education through distance learning. 

© 2009 Cindy Wolfe

Read More about the Brain-Twitter Project:

University of Wisconsin Nitro Lablog

Brain-Twitter project offers hope to paralyzed patients

YouTube: The Brain-Twitter Interface

Learn to Use T9: Quick Tips