Space technology helps students `Play Attention`

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 25, 2006) — The same technology that helps astronauts stay attentive in the cockpit now helps students and adults overcome attention, concentration and focus issues. The Space Foundation announced today that Play Attention from Unique Logic and Technology is recognized as a Certified Educational Product ™ for its feedback based educational attention training system based on NASA technology. NASA scientists developed computer systems for improving the concentration skills of astronauts and test pilots. NASA attached sensors to pilots’ heads to capture their brain waves and learned to identify the kind of brain activity that occurs when a person is concentrating on a task. They developed software that lets pilots control images on a computer screen; the more the pilots focused their minds and set aside distractions, the better they performed. The Play Attention Learning System is a patented advance of the technology originally developed at NASA. “The Space Foundation is pleased to certify the Play Attention system, recognizing the technology advances and applications Unique Logic and Technology made to help students and adults overcome attention disorders,” said Kevin Cook, director of Space Technology Awareness for the Space Foundation. The Play Attention system uses a helmet containing special sensors that accesses brainwaves indicative of focus and cognitive processing. The sensory information is fed into a small interface system that attaches to the user’s home computer. Users complete a series of video game-like exercises that are controlled by the mind alone, seeing and hearing real-time feedback of how they are progressing in focusing and finishing tasks. Students use their minds to make screen characters fly, swim, jump, and more. With practice they learn to apply these skills to educational objectives such as reading and attentive listening. A Play Attention coach helps shape behavior to minimize distractions and improve focus. “Both NASA and Play Attention have proven that feedback-based learning empowers individuals to deal with their personal challenges by increasing mental capacity and skill,” said Peter Freer, chief executive officer of Unique Logic and Technology. “This produces a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and success. We owe NASA a great debt.” Play Attention is currently in use in the United States, Puerto Rico, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, South America, and Europe. Since the dawn of the space era, the world’s best engineers at NASA have been developing advanced technologies that fuel America’s efforts in space and also result in a number of earthly applications. The Space Certification Program, managed by the Space Foundation, provides official recognition for qualified products and services incorporating those space technologies. For more information, visit www.SpaceConnection.org. Note to editors: Product photo available upon request. About Unique Logic and Technology Unique Logic and Technology (UL+T) was founded in 1994 and is a privately held company located in Asheville, North Carolina. With a staff comprised primarily of educational research technologists, educators, and engineers, UL+T is a leader in providing creative feedback-driven educational systems to assist learners of all ages in developing their potential. For more information, visit www.playattention.com. About the Space Foundation Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. The Space Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C., and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation’s signature event, the National Space Symposium, is scheduled for April 3-6, 2006, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. Along with partnering organizations, the Space Foundation also conducts Inside Aerospace, April 24-25, 2006, in Washington, D.C.; Strategic Space and Defense, 10-12 Oct. 2006 in Omaha, Neb.; and Florida Space. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org. # # # Additional media contact: Unique Logic and Technology Melissa Lunsford Media Relations (800) 788-6786 [email protected]