Neiry tested VR helmet and neurointerfaces at School# 1306

2021: VR Helmet and Neurointerface Testing Pilot

The neurotechnological laboratory Neiry, a resident of the information technology cluster of the Skolkovo Foundation, completed a pilot project for testing the VR helmet and neurointerfaces in Moscow and Kazan. After the lessons, students from the experimental group demonstrated a general improvement in cognitive functions. This became known on March 18, 2021.

The pilot project was implemented at school number 1306 .

Introducing innovation into the educational process is a noble task for each EdTech project. We combine the game approach and educational methods, and one of the goals of our project is the widespread introduction of Neiry in general education schools. We conducted "field" tests - we were supported by the administration and parents of the school, noted Alexander Panov, CEO and founder of Neiry.

Before the launch of the pilot, the project team received the consent of teachers and parents to conduct the experiment. Third graders from "A" and "B" classes were included in the experimental group, students from "B" and "G" classes - in the control group. All children took part in the initial testing - they underwent five tests investigating different cognitive functions: Eriksen Flanker task (cognitive inhibition, concentration of attention), Go/no-go task (inhibition of automatic response, impulsivity), Dimensional set-shifting (cognitive flexibility, adaptation to new conditions), Spatial span (spatial working memory, memory of working memory objects localization), n.

During the six weeks of the experiment, the school held 14 VR lessons in mathematics and the world around it. The experimental group performed tasks using the VR-helmet and neurointerface, the control group - without equipment. VR lessons took from 20 to 40 minutes. The participants were divided into mini-groups of 6-8 people and alternately launched tests. By wearing helmets and connecting sensors, students had to complete several tasks. To "press" the answer, you had to focus on it.

The students themselves noted that "managing the power of thought was interesting" and they liked VR more than "boring oral score."

After 10 sessions of work with the VR helmet and neurointerface, children from the experimental group decreased impulsivity and emotional excitability, improved cognitive inhibition (concentrated attention) and conscious control, increased attention concentration and the speed of finding the right solution. Students talked about increasing motivation and concentration, about greater involvement in study, about improving the quality of assimilation of material.

Children are happy to work in VR glasses. They're fully immersed in the lesson. Do not distract, concentrate their attention on the material, easily absorb it, noted Svetlana Buerakova, primary school teacher

According to Alexander Panov, Neiry intends to participate in the second wave of testing and is ready to introduce its system into Russian schools. Now the company is negotiating with educational organizations in the regions.