Phonomena

The Proven Phoneme-Based Language Developer

An interactive game
Based on cutting edge neuroscience research from Oxford University
Improves auditory discrimination and phonemic awareness
Builds language skills

“Evidence on childhood learning difficulties shows that, left untreated, very small initial differences in the sensory processing systems used by the brain in learning can lead to significant problems later in life. Subtle impairments in auditory processing, for example, can give rise to developmental dyslexia, which can have significant negative effects on a person’s passage through life.”

The mental wealth of nations
NATURE|Vol 455|23 October 2008 Click here to read the full article

Phonomena trains phonological awareness skills, (a very strong predictor of reading and spelling success) which improves other language abilities – such as reading, writing and speaking, comprehension and general language skills.

These skills have to be learned. Phonomena rapidly develops these essential skills and language learning can dramatically improve, providing a solid foundation for other learning.

If learned incorrectly, this can result in language and other learning difficulties and Phonomena can help to ‘unlearn’ and re-train to correct - at any age.

To learn additional languages, we must hear and produce unfamiliar word sounds. Phonomena can develop this ability.

How Does Phonomena Work?

Phonomena uses ‘phoneme contrasts’ – selected from over 1,000 possible in English, based on frequency of occurrence and regularity of data, ease of perception/production, and usefulness to the learner.

At the start of the game, these 'sounds of words' are set as normally found in spoken language. Learning is most effective when the task is ‘optimally difficult’. If too easy, it is unlikely much will be learned; if too complex, it is de-motivating.

Phonomena’s proprietary adaptive learning algorithms change the sounds in response to each player’s performance, making the choice more or less difficult, keeping the training at the point at which research shows learning is most effective.

Conclusions

MindWeavers’ Phonomena language developer products train at the ‘Edge of Competence’ where pace and quality of learning dramatically increases.

Phonomena harnesses the motivational and repetitive training characteristics of entertaining computer game environments with adaptive learning, to train the sensory skills fundamental to language development.

The outcome is accelerated language learning, proven in field trials using industry-recognised measures.

The first version of Phonomena is targeted towards children learning English.

The MindWeavers technology used has been proven to be effective for training English language listening skills to accelerate language learning across ages and abilities.

System Requirements:

A PC system with the following features is needed for ensuring a stable performance:

Operating system : Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 SP4/XP SP2 , Vista
Processor Type : CPU Pentium II or greater
Processor Speed : 500 MHz or faster
RAM Memory : 128 MB (64 MB RAM minimum)
CD-Rom Drive : 16 x CD-ROM
Audio : 16-bit On-board Sound*
Graphics card : 16 MB On-Board (32MB Graphics card)
Screen resolution: 800x600 SVGA
Free hard disc space : 150 MB free space Hard Disk Drive
Other: Loudspeakers or headphones

      * Note: This product will not work without sound

Not Compatible with Mac computers