Innovative technologies for the assessment and training of cognitive abilities in children

During childhood, several cognitive processes, such as learning, memory, and attention as well as complex cognitive skills, such as reading, undergo major developmental changes. Given that these processes are important for everyday life, both their measurement and training have received much traction in the literature. In parallel, children nowadays are much more tech-savvy than any other generation and digital technologies have been a ubiquitous component of several scientific fields. Thus, the question that arises is: would it be possible to use technology to study cognition in children, and, if yes, how? In the context of Neo-PRISM-C Innovative Training Network, a European research network targeting neurodevelopmental disorders, we developed methodologies and interactive applications using virtual reality (VR) technology and mobile devices (e.g. tablets). The aim of those applications is to measure and train cognitive abilities, such as learning, memory, attention, and reading abilities in children. They include the following: a) tablet applications for speech recognition using deep neural networks, that provide a fully automated way of assessing and scoring reading accuracy, without the need for any external assistance, b) the use of a gamified platform for data collection with competitive methodological advantages, such as advanced randomization, timing data, feedback and automatic scoring system characteristics. Through the platform, data collection becomes easier and testing sessions look more like a game that motivates children to perform better. This kind of platform has the potential for big data collection through large-scale assessments, c) immersive virtual environments, IVEs (e.g. a virtual bedroom/kitchen/classroom) that simulate interior spaces where children spend much of their daily time. Through the use of virtual environments, researchers can observe, measure and train cognitive abilities in an ecologically valid and standardized way. Some of the competitive advantages of IVEs are 1) having access to a variety of variables that wouldn't be accessible without the use of VR technology, 2) conducting research in naturalistic scenarios that mimic the real-world while maintaining high levels of experimental control, and 3) minimizing the costs (e.g. logistics) and dangers associated with specific types of experimental protocols. The use of innovative technologies is going to open up new possibilities for psychological research and is expected to equip practitioners and researchers in the field with useful tools for the development of new experimental paradigms and interactive applications.