Brain-Machine Interfaces for e-learning platforms.

1. The Future of Brain-Powered Learning
In the year 2050
Elvis Saravia, 104065891

3. Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI) in Science Fiction

4. BMI in the real world
Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI) allows for bidirectional
communication between brain and external devices.
Signal
Acquisition
Pattern
Recognition
Transformation
BMI Application
Commands
BMI device

5. Types of BMI (non-invasive)
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Tracks neural activity (electrical impulses)
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Tracks neural activity (blood flow)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

6. Types of BMI (invasive)
Brain chip is implanted directly in an area that can monitor neural activity in the
brain, i.e., usually underneath the skull.
In vivo Multielectrode arrays (MEAs)
Electrocorticography (ECoG)
Source: Communications of the ACM, Vol. 54 No. 10, Pages 11-14

7. State-of-the-art BMI technology?
Miranda et al., 2015 (DARPA-funded Efforts in the Development of
Novel Brain–Computer Interface Technologies)
Vieira et al., 2015 (Building an organic computing device with multiple interconnected brains)
Yin et al., 2016 (An automatic experimental apparatus to study arm reaching in New World monkeys)
Control prosthetic arm
Brain-to-brain communication
Monkey controls wheelchair by pure thoughts

8. Applications of BMI
Medical - Treat Depression and Parkinson’s Disease
Entertainment - BMI games for rehabilitation (ADHD* patients)
Minkyu et al., 2014
* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

9. How about Education?

10. 2050

11. BMI Learning Network (BLiNK)
BLiNK
Learning Cloud
BLiNK brain
chip
Learner A Learner B
Lecturer
Wireless
connection

12. BCI Learning Network (BLiNK)
BLiNK enables brain-to-brain communication through high-bandwidth networks.
● Wireless communication
● Instant sharing of ideas and feedback (between learners and lecturers)
● Perform instant search to knowledge databases via thoughts
BLiNK allows transfer (share) of:
● Knowledge, thoughts, experiences, dreams, memory, etc...
BLiNK services operate on the cloud?
● Stores unlimited memory and information
BLiNK provides real-time analytics for learners
● Can monitor learning patterns

13. Alice wants to learn Physics
Alice in Wonderland

14. Alice conditions for learning
● Learn quickly (she still wants to have time to go
for an adventure)
● She is tidy, so she prefers clean and simplistic
virtual classroom (Gestalt Theory)
● She has problem paying attention, so she prefers
micro-courses
● She may need fast access to knowledge
databases (priori knowledge), since science is
not her major (Cognitivism)
● She wants real-world experience by running lab
experiments, and she wants to engage with
learners to share ideas (Constructivism)
● Monitor her learning progress and patterns
● She forget things quickly so she want to improve
memorization.

15. Alice joins BLiNK (Symbiotic solution)
BLiNK
Physics
Module BLiNK Physics Module
● Personalized learning (adjust learning rate)
● Simulated environment (Brain VR)
● Communication with peers and lecturers
● Instant access to knowledge databases
● Download experiences
● Real-time analytics
● Stimulate brain to increase focus and
memory
● Learn quickly
● Simplistic virtual classroom (Gestalt)
● Activation of prior knowledge Cognitivism)
● Real-world experience (Constructivism)
● Monitor her learning progress and patterns
● Improve attention
● Concept attainment (memory)

16. Pros and Cons of BLiNK?
Strengths
Learner-centered
On-demand learning
Guided-learning (Personalization)
Fast communication and learning
Unlimited access (knowledge + experiences)
Unlimited memory (cloud + brain)
Weaknesses (mostly unethical)
Brain Hacking
Mind Control
Privacy issues
Health issues
Centralized (cloud) or Decentralized (p2p)
Needs regularization

17. References
BCI learning - cognitive/motor skill learning using BMI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462099/
Intro to BMI: https://www.slideshare.net/udaysaikia/brain-computer-interfaces-by-uday-mc-gill
Neuralink (Elon Musk Company): https://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html
A review of Brain-Computer Interface Games and an Opinion Survey from Researchers, Developers and User:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4178978/
Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Neuronal Signals for Brain-Machine Interfaces: Will One Prevail?:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4921501/pdf/fnins-10-00295.pdf
Leflore, Dorothy. "Theory supporting design guidelines for web-based instruction." Instructional and cognitive
impacts of web-based education(2000): 102-117.

18. Thanks for Listening!