The recent launch on May 2nd of an online educational tool developed within the Department of Psychology has generated unprecedented media attention for both the Department of Psychology and Maynooth University. The product, known as SMART training, is offered online as a form of intellectual skills training, and it has been shown to raise general intelligence as well as help in the remediation of several intellectual difficulties. It is produced by a spin out Maynooth University company, and is available at RaiseYourIQ.com.
At the launch in Rathmore National School in Co. Meath, Dr. Bryan Roche, co-developer of the software said; “Much of what we need to know in order to solve problems cannot be figured out by the brain on its own and involves skills rather than mere brain mass. The skills that make up intelligence - relational skills - must be learned and even a brain that is highly developed has to learn how to solve problems. The SMART system, unlike some ‘brain training’ games, does not work by merely enhancing memory, it improves the ability to reason logically and think clearly, so it also leads to improvements in verbal ability, perceptual reasoning and speed of information processing. The programme we have developed teaches a range of basic “relational skills” that facilitate more intelligent thinking. Relational skills were first discovered by psychologists using a theory known as Relational Frame Theory, which over the past two decades has revolutionised the way we think about learning and intelligence.”
The launch has been met with enormous public and media attention resulting in appearances on every major TV and radio network in the country, TV and radio news, and many national and regional newspapers. Offers of appearances on RTE's The Late Late Show and TV3's The Morning Show were made within days of the launch. The launch has also attracted the attention of large private and public investors who see potential for the product in the educational sector and as a consumer product.
You can review some of the media exposure below.
TV stream of appearance on RTE Radio 1 "Morning Ireland"