Transmitting brain patterns of expert pilots via electrode-embedded head caps can improve learning in novices, according to a new study that suggests brain stimulation may be effective in accelerating practical learning.
"We measured the brain activity patterns of six commercial and military pilots, and then transmitted these patterns into novice subjects as they learned to pilot an airplane in a realistic flight simulator," said Matthew Phillips from the HRL Laboratories in California.
Researchers used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in order to improve learning and skill retention.
"We measured the average g-force of the plane during the simulated landing and compared it to control subjects who received a mock brain stimulation," said Phillips.
While previous research has demonstrated that tDCS can both help patients more quickly recover from a stroke and boost a healthy person's creativity, HRL's study is one of the first to show that tDCS is effective in accelerating practical learning.
Phillips speculates that the potential to increase learning with brain stimulation may make this form of accelerated learning commonplace.
"As we discover more about optimising, personalising, and adapting brain stimulation protocols, we'll likely see these technologies become routine in training and classroom environments," Phillips said.
"It's possible that brain stimulation could be implemented for classes like drivers' training, SAT prep, and language learning," he said.
The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
