Week 1: Summer 2024 Orientation
Welcome to the Brain Fitness Basics Summer 2024 class!
Quick Links
Welcome, students, to this exciting semester where we will delve into the fascinating world of brain functioning in a fun and dynamic way.
I am thrilled to have you all here, and I'm confident that this course will be both enlightening and enjoyable.
Two Key Components of Our Class:
1.Our website
Our class website will be the central hub for all course-related activities. Here's what you can expect:
Course Materials: Lecture notes, readings, and supplementary materials will be available for download.
Recorded Video: I you cannot join the zoom meetings, stay up to date with the class with a recorded video.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the website and check it regularly to stay on top of all class activities.
One of the most exciting aspects of this course is that each of you will receive a license for BrainHQ, a cutting-edge brain training program. Here’s how we’ll be using it:
Cognitive Exercises: BrainHQ offers a variety of exercises designed to enhance different aspects of cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Personalized Training: The program adapts to your performance, providing a personalized training experience that targets your specific needs.
Tracking Progress: You'll be able to track your progress over time, which will help you see the improvements in your cognitive abilities.
Objectives of the Course:
Understanding Brain Functioning: We'll explore how different parts of the brain work and how they interact with each other to produce thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities: Through the BrainHQ exercises, you'll actively work on improving your cognitive skills, which can benefit you in both academic and everyday life.
Postponing Cognitive Decline: We'll discuss strategies and scientific findings related to maintaining brain health and postponing cognitive decline as we age.
Course Structure:
Lectures and Readings
Each week, we'll cover different topics related to brain functioning. Make sure to attend lectures or see the recorded video to fully grasp the material.
Interactive Sessions
We will have interactive sessions where we can discuss concepts in more depth and engage in activities that reinforce what we've learned.
Regularly scheduled BrainHQ sessions will be part of your homework. These sessions are designed to be engaging and beneficial for your cognitive health.
The Five Classes for the Semester:
1. Orientation
Overview:
Introduction to the course structure, objectives, and resources.
Getting familiar with our class website and its features.
Setting up and navigating BrainHQ for brain training exercises.
Key Activities:
Tour of the class website: accessing materials, discussions, and assignments.
Introduction to BrainHQ: understanding how to use the program.
Initial BrainHQ exercises to get started with brain training.
2. Being Active Helps My Brain Stay Sharp / Activities for the Summer
Overview:
Understanding how staying active during the summer can benefit brain health.
Key Topics:
The science behind activity and brain health.
Recommended activities for cognitive benefits.
Planning a summer activity for brain healthy season.
3. Exercises to Improve Memory
Overview:
Techniques and exercises specifically designed to enhance memory.
Key Topics:
Memory-boosting activities and games.
Incorporating memory exercises into daily routines.
Using BrainHQ to target memory improvement.
4. Summer Activities to Reduce Stress for a Healthy Brain
Overview:
Exploring the impact of stress on brain health and cognitive function.
Learning about activities and strategies to reduce stress during the summer.
Key Topics:
The relationship between stress and the brain.
Stress-reducing activities,
Practical tips for maintaining a stress-free summer.
5. Learning in a Fun Way Helps My Brain / Semester Conclusion
Overview:
Discussing the benefits of engaging in fun, enjoyable learning activities.
Reviewing what we’ve learned throughout the semester and celebrating our progress.
Key Topics:
The role of enjoyment and motivation in effective learning.
Examples of fun learning activities and games.
Reflecting on the semester: sharing experiences and insights.
Summarizing key takeaways and setting goals for continued brain health.
BrainHQ Account Assistance
video1095852914.mp4If you have any questions regarding your BrainHQ account, please contact Professor Erika Peralta. For inquiries about account information or if you need a BrainHQ account, please reach out to her at eperalta@sdccd.edu.
BrainHQ Login: Your login is the email address that you used when registering for BrainHQ and the semester in which you first took a Brain Fitness course. If this is your first semester, your password will be summer24
Would you like to know more about Brain HQ? Please watch this video!
Summary
By joining our class, you have taken a big step forward on a path to greater joy and fulfillment. We hope that you recognize that you have the choice and ability to influence your brain health. The Brain Fitness team is here to both support you and learn from you. Grab this opportunity and gain all that you can from it. Together we will build a better future for ourselves, and those around us. Thank you for being here.
I am very excited to embark on this journey with you all. Together, we will explore the incredible capabilities of the human brain and learn ways to keep it sharp and healthy. Let's get started and make this semester an unforgettable learning experience!