Fast ForWord is neuroscience software that was developed over thirty years through the collaboration of three neuroscientists (Dr's. Merzenich, Miller and Jenkins) and a cognitive researcher (Dr. Paula Tallal). It was developed based on a working model about how the brain works and how it can be coaxed to change.
Cognitive science behind Fast ForWord software

Doidge book on neuroscience software Fast ForWord software draws on important neuroscience principles, summarized here. There are other aspects of Fast ForWord that can be read about in more detail in the Norman Doidge book, The Brain That Changes Itself.
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Frequency and Intensity

While it is true that the window for change stays open through life, it is also true that after the first three years (where the brain change mode is permanently on) provoking a brain to create new pathways, to function differently, requires frequency and intensity.

Fast ForWord creates intensity using patented adaptive software that finds each student's ability level and then exercises those skills right there, right where they need it. The program is also designed so that the exercise set up is very brief, leading to a large number of tasks performed in a short period. Frequency is provided with the five day a week protocol.

Shaping

The only way a muscle can build strength is by repetitions at stepped up resistance. In the world of neuroscience this process is called "shaping" -- creating new pathways in tiny incremental steps. The brain, like a muscle, can change if an exercise path is presented appropriately.

Brain Change Agent

At regular intervals students receive unexpected surprises from the neuroscience software in the form of fun activities on the screen or sounds. These surprises are designed to produce a spike in norepinephrine, an activity that promotes brain change.

Many of the exercises focus on memory in conjunction with other skills. Fast ForWord does this to encourage the brain as a system to reorganize. Every minute of computer time is productive, every minute working toward improved learning.

No other reading software program tackles reading quite like this, and yet 88% of reading issues stem from cognitive weaknesses, most which Fast ForWord addresses -- memory, attention, processing or sequencing -- using this adaptive approach.
Developing cognitive skills in children