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University of MichiganNeurodiversity Project

Pilot Projects

NeuroFocus

An EEG headset pilot that senses brain activity and focus while students work through assignments. This helps teachers understand needs when students cannot easily speak up in class.

Pilot project · EEG-informed focus

NeuroFocus

An EEG headset pilot that senses brain activity and focus while students work through assignments. This helps teachers understand needs when students cannot easily speak up in class.

Pilot in progress. No public access yet.

NeuroFocus records attention-related signals during real coursework using a non-invasive EEG headset. It is designed to layer onto existing curricula and educational canvases, and to pair with NeuroNavigator focus workflows. We are planning customized, comfortable caps so the experience feels approachable for learners of different ages.

  • EEG sensing of attention during assignments
  • Teacher insight when students cannot self-advocate
  • Fits current courses; comfort-first headset covers planned

How EEG sensing works here

Reading attention signals, not reading minds

An EEG headset places gentle sensors on the scalp to pick up electrical patterns produced by brain activity. During an assignment, those patterns can help estimate relative focus, cognitive load, and moments when attention drifts. Teachers and mentors can use that information with conversation and observation. This helps them notice who may need a quieter space, a clearer prompt, or a short break, especially when a student cannot easily speak up in class.

Sense

The EEG headset captures non-invasive signals while the student works on real curriculum tasks.

Interpret

Software translates shifts in attention and effort into session cues teachers can review.

Support

Instructors adjust pacing, materials, or check-ins without requiring the student to self-advocate mid-task.

In the classroom

Designed for real courses and educational canvases

  • When students cannot say what is hard

    Some learners struggle to interrupt class, find the words, or disclose what is confusing. NeuroFocus gives teachers another signal: changes in attention and cognitive effort. Teachers can offer help earlier.

  • Fit any existing curriculum

    NeuroFocus is designed to sit alongside current courses, LMS pages, and educational canvases. Teachers keep their materials; the pilot adds an optional attention layer during assignments and activities.

  • Pair with NeuroNavigator workflows

    Inside the broader NeuroNavigator pilot, focus blocks already help students structure deep work. NeuroFocus extends that idea with EEG-informed cues about when focus holds and when it slips.

Pilot visuals

From headset to focus session to comfort-first design

  • Comfortable EEG headset in learning settings

    Comfortable EEG headset in learning settings

    Students can wear a lightweight EEG headset during classroom or home learning while remaining engaged and at ease.

  • Brain signals during real coursework

    Brain signals during real coursework

    While a learner works through slides, readings, or digital assignments, the headset senses patterns related to attention and cognitive load.

  • Focus blocks teachers and students can use

    Focus blocks teachers and students can use

    Session views can tag deep-focus work on a concrete task. This helps instructors see when support may be needed without interrupting the student mid-thought.

  • Assignments broken into clear steps

    Assignments broken into clear steps

    NeuroFocus works alongside sequenced assignment journeys (warm-up, gather, draft, polish). Attention sensing maps onto the same steps students already use in NeuroNavigator.

  • Toward customized, comfortable caps

    Toward customized, comfortable caps

    We are planning child- and learner-friendly covers so the hardware feels approachable in everyday learning, not clinical or intimidating.

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