The Future of Mobile Neuroimaging Technologies

in helping learners with brain disorders and learning disabilities

This site explains mobile neuroimaging technologies in the following aspects:

  • Reasons "why"

  • Definition "what"

  • Potential applications

  • Challenges

  • Possible solutions

Why Mobile Neuroimaging Technology?

With the development of emerging technologies, educational neuroscience continues to grow, which makes it possible to conduct neuroscientific studies in learning environments. In recent years, neurotechnologies have been introduced to educational contexts in terms of supporting the learning process, in other senses, enhancing the learning experience.

Despite the rapid growth of educational neuroscience, the majority of its experiments were conducted in the laboratory with heavy equipment and within controlled groups. I envision a future of educational neuroscience that is mobile, safe, and non-invasive. Educational neuroscientists propose that applying mobile neuroimaging technologies is beneficial for the mind, brain, and education. On top of that, mobile neuroimaging technologies also come with great potential in assisting special education in helping learners with brain disorders and learning disabilities.

What is Mobile Neuroimaging Technology?

Mobile neuroimaging technologies include electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRs).

Mobile Electroencephalography (Mobile EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method that amplifies patterns and records them as distinctive signatures on an electroencephalogram. While mobile EGG is a next-generation neuroscientific technology that examines real-time brain activity. It measures the brain’s overall neuronal activity over a continuous period by means of electrodes glued to the scalp. It also leverages emerging mobile technologies and traditional EEG to examine immediate learning activities. A mobile EEG device provides high-quality recordings and monitors brain activity in real-time, instead of in a laboratory.

Mobile Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (Mobile fNIRs)

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to visualize the activity in its various regions. The scanning equipment used and the basic principle applied in fMRI are essentially the same as in Magnetic Resonant Imaging (MRI), but the computers that analyze the signals are different. Mobile fNIRs is an optical brain monitoring technique which uses near-infrared spectroscope to complete functional neuroimaging.

Characteristics of Mobile Neuroimaging Technologies

Non-invasive

Portable

Safe