Combating ADHD in the Classroom with Computer Games

Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed learning disability among school-aged children. ADHD in the classroom is common in most classrooms across United States. Kids with ADHD have a hard time conforming to the usual protocol in the classroom setting. They are easily distracted by noises in the hallway, birds on the window ledge, noisy pencil sharpeners, and their neighbor’s lunch box. The list goes on and on. Children with ADHD are restless and impatient, and often disrupt the class with inappropriate behaviors and outbursts.

There are varying degrees of ADHD ranging from moderate to severe. Some children struggle with the common symptoms of the disorder, such as the inability to pay attention, and extreme distractibility. Others have more severe symptoms such as a lack of fine motor control or aggressive behavioral outbursts as the result of frustration.
 
There are a number of ways to minimize the problems caused by ADHD. Teachers find it helpful to be mindful of classroom seating arrangements. Children with ADHD should not be seated by the window or door in the classroom. Seating the child close to the teacher’s desk can be helpful. Row seating, facing the front of the room, seems to work better for the child with ADHD, than sitting at a round table with other students.
Although all of these tips are helpful, there are still obstacles to learning for the ADHD student. The usual delivery systems for classroom instruction usually do not hold the ADHD student’s attention for very long.
 

An Electronic Solution for Teachers

Teachers are always seeking new and innovative ways to minimize these behaviors and teach the ADHD students in their classrooms utilizing systems that will be engaging and effective. The delivery systems that are based on lectures and vocal instruction methods don’t seem to be effective when trying to teach kids with ADHD. Attention spans are short, and listening requires sitting in a chair and remaining still and quiet. Teachers have difficulty managing children with ADHD in the classroom.
C8Sciences’ scientists and researchers have analyzed this shortcoming in the classrooms across the country, and have developed a system of learning that is engaging and fun for all students, but especially those with ADHD.
The ACTIVATE™ program is a state of the art system that has been used to serve children with ADHD and other learning disabilities using brain training computer games. ACTIVATE™ is a cross-training program that combines exciting computer games and activities with a rigorous physical exercise program. Children can learn while playing games that appear to be just like the games they play on their electronic devices at home.
The ACTIVATE™ brain training computer games, have been carefully analyzed and developed to build and enhance core cognitive functions, thereby improving the child’s ability to learn and understand new concepts. It is a fundamentally new approach to learning that helps teachers involve the ADHD student in the learning process.
Students love the program. The characters they meet as they play games and work out problems are colorful and full of fun. Students look forward to powering up their electronic devise and eagerly approach the next lesson.
As children work their way through the brain training computer games, teachers report an increase in working memory skills. Kids go back to the same program until they master the concept, and have to remember things from the lesson before. The positive praise and reinforcement component of the program helps build confidence and greater self-esteem. Combating ADHD is a difficult struggle for students. Positive self-esteem is the key to success for the ADHD student.
After completing a number of sessions, studies show a marked increase in language proficiency and reading comprehension. Participants also showed advancement in math levels after completing a specific number of sessions.
 

A Cognitive Flexibility Super-Charge

Cognitive flexibility improved significantly in students within a very short time of starting the program. Improvement in cognitive flexibility is one of the most impressive factors noted in studies of children enrolled in the ACTIVATE™ program. Cognitive flexibility boosts IQ, spatial intelligence, and analytical skills.
The games and activities that make up the ACTIVATE™ program encourage the child to think outside the box to come up with logical solutions to complex problems. These skills not only help the child with ADHD to excel in the classroom, but also give him a personal virtual briefcase full of tools to help him navigate through the complications of life in spite of the limitations of the ADHD disorder.
 

Combating ADHD is easier if the child has the proper cognitive tools.

ACTIVATE™ can open up a whole new world to school-age children who have been floundering in the school system since they entered kindergarten with the ADHD stigma attached to their school records. Once he becomes engaged in the ACTIVATE™ computer based cognitive training program, the cocooned caterpillar, who has spent years trapped in his disability, will become a beautiful butterfly!