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Potential Uses of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Programs

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Handbook of Applied Developmental Science in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development and initial field trial of the latest prototype computerized cognitive rehabilitation training (CCRT) program developed by Michigan State University’s Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab. The Brain Powered Games (BPG) project is a computer game-based, rehabilitation program specifically designed for children in resource-poor communities, with an emphasis on children in sub-Saharan Africa. This chapter describes the different aspects of the current BPG prototype and how game theories such as digital game-based learning and game flow influenced the design. Details are presented about a playtest of the BPG prototype in a rural setting in Uganda, including observations about children’s general responses to the games, results of an initial pilot evaluation, and how those observations may affect future development.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the development team at the GEL lab who developed the design and worked on building the prototype presented in this paper and the Kayunga Study Team who conducted the playtest and pilot study in Uganda.

Brain Powered Games GEL Lab Team: Carrie Cole, Rick Meurs, Bryan Novak, Matthew Vorce, David Ward, and Brian Winn.

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Correspondence to Bruno Giordani .

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Novak, B., Giordani, B., Boivin, M., Winn, B. (2017). Potential Uses of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Programs. In: Abubakar, A., van de Vijver, F. (eds) Handbook of Applied Developmental Science in Sub-Saharan Africa. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7328-6_15

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