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This story is from February 7, 2013

No more 'brahmi pills', kids downloading memory apps now

A number of kids are now using apps to increase their concentration levels as CBSE, ICSE and state board exams begin.
No more 'brahmi pills', kids downloading memory apps now
CHANDIGARH: Move over “brahmi pills” and other granny’s remedies to sharpen memory skills ahead of the board exams. A number of kids are now using apps to increase their concentration levels as CBSE, ICSE and state board exams begin. “It’s all about working smarter,” says Jivitesh Razdan, a 12th standard student of Ludhiana’s Sarabha Nagar. He has just three weeks to go for his CBSE exams.
But his parents do not mind him spending time with his smartphone every morning as he takes the ‘portrait health brain teaser test’ – an app that helps him work on his memory, visual perception and co-ordination. For 30 minutes, Razdan is all concentration as he gazes at a certain set of photos for a few seconds and tries to align them in the same order after his screen goes blank – a practice that he says has helped him remain focused for longer durations.
Besides helping build concentration, these apps are also good stress-busters. “Whenever I need a break from studies, I try my hand on concentration apps,” says Anmol Sharma, a student in Chandigarh. “Since it gives you a score at the end of the session, it’s good for your confidence too.”
Most of the apps are compatible with multiple operating systems like Android, Windows, Blackberry and iOS and are available for free download. They also employ innovative ideas to prime up the mind. For instance, a student can enhance his listening ability with an app that gives out a particular type of noise on which the ear should be attuned ignoring other sounds. Then there’s another that just lets you concentrate on the study material on the net keeping out pop-ups and any other distracting elements.
Yogesh Sharma, a student in Mohali claims that regular use of these apps has helped him deal with his problem of low attention span. “I could not sit and study for even 15 minutes at a stretch. But my concentration seems to be getting better now.”
Psychologists, however, point out the flip effects of overt dependence on memory apps. “I have seen children using apps that assign pictures to answers which help them remember the answer better,” says Aruna Broota, former head of the department of psychology at Delhi University. “This impairs their ability to think individually as they are dependent on an external tool to jog their memory. This may not be such a good thing.”
author
About the Author
Alkesh Sharma

In Times of India, I cover higher education and district court. I was born and brought up in Chandigarh and am well-versed with Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. I have done masters in Mass Communication and Journalism.

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