Training
BEFORE ICEPT TRAINING
Can the training be done on my computer? 
A computer version of iCept training is available to multi-license holders such as schools or optometrists. Training by computer can be done on most Mac or Windows based systems so long as there is a connection to the internet. The screen dimensions for the computer should be at least 19.7cm wide by 14.8cm high which may exclude small notebook computers.
Can the training be done from other locations?
Yes, so long as you have internet access the training can be done from any location.
What is the principle of training?
Training is based around responding to small incremental changes (controlled by the software) that progressively requires more attention. This is consolidated through repetition and overnight sleep. As the skill is mastered it becomes automatic and hence any deficiency is less likely to interfere with learning.
What is the key to successful training?
The key to successful training is regular daily practice. Preferably this should be 6 or 7 days a week for around 10 minutes a day although Visual Spatial training may take longer. Training works best when your child is not too tired. If tired or unwell consider skipping training that day.
Can I use the same programme for more than one child?
No. Each child will require their own training programme since the software adjusts to the level of the user. This will require each child to have their own account that requires a unique email address and password.
How easy is the training?
The training starts quite easy but gets harder as you move up the levels. Most students, even younger ones, will manage to get up to the top levels. Note, that although iCept training is game-like it is not a game, it is a therapy. As such, the training is repetitive and requires a regular commitment to see through to the end. For younger children it is important that parents regularly check the training results to see if their child is paying attention. If the results stay on a low level or they are going backwards this could mean they are not paying attention! For students who struggle with the time commitment a Fast Train option is available.
Why is training repetitive?
The research shows that in order to acquire the perceptual skills needed for learning this requires a consciously directed effort – much like learning to read. Inevitably this also requires a lot of repetition. Without this it is unlikely the relevant skills are being acquired. If necessary, the Fast Train option can be selected which halves the number of presentations reducing the training time to about 5 minutes. At the end of each session a picture is given as a reward/morale booster from a collection of over 650 quality pics!
Where do I get a copy of the iCept Report?
The iCept Report can be obtained by selecting “Email Report” under “VIEW RESULTS” in iCept Testing.
Is there anything to do before training?
An eye examination is recommended BEFORE starting iCept Training to rule out or address any problems with near vision such as difficulty focusing (poor accommodation), double vision (poor convergence) or words moving on the page (visual stress). If previous school hearing tests were found to be normal this should be an adequate basis for starting auditory training even if all 4 tasks are “Below”.
HELP WITH ICEPT TRAINING
What order should the tasks be trained?
The tasks are presented in a specific order. This should be followed from top to bottom unless directed otherwise. All of the sessions within a task should be completed BEFORE starting the next task!
When do I end a training session?
Each session will automatically end by the computer and take you back to the image of the solar system. When you see a picture of the spaceship cockpit during training this indicates progress by a level or more – click on “continue” to complete the session.
What happens if I quit a session?
You can quit a session by going to the instructions and selecting “Quit Task”, or by pressing the Esc key or by exiting out of the software altogether (computer version). For the session to be registered as valid and displayed in the Summary of Results a minimum number of trials needs to be completed.
What if my child is unable to complete a full training session?
Students who are struggling to complete a session in reasonable time should select the “Fast Train” option found in Instructions before starting. Visual Span takes the longest to complete and so younger students may need to use the “Fast Train” option. In the case of the Visual Spatial task, half a session can be trained if necessary. You know that you have reached half way because the border changes from a purple to green colour. Reduced sessions will still be saved for the Visual Spatial task (so long as you train to half way) and will NOT cause any training levels to be missed, however it will take longer to improve the skill.
What if the top level is reached before completing all sessions?
If the top level is reached it is important to continue until the full number of sessions has been completed. The reason for this is to consolidate the skill at a neurological level. This is especially important for the Eye Track:Voluntary task since this skill will continue to improve even if the top level is reached early – even after a few days. The exception is Visual Spatial training where training can be completed when the top level has been reached.
What if my child is not making progress on the auditory tasks?
The first thing to check is the speaker quality of the device you are using. If the sound is poor then better quality output may be achieved by using headphones or earphones.
If unsuccessful try: 1) a more hands-on approach with the Visual Auditory Thinking activity under Resources (see instruction sheet & video) 2) checking if hearing is normal or 3) having a break and repeating later (eg. 6 months). Some students struggle to differentiate sounds despite good hearing but may engage better at a later time. To help with the auditory tasks a visual aid is presented for the first 2 levels only.
How do I enable the right mouse click on my Mac for the Visual Spatial Task?
If you have a trackpad or magic mouse there are four ways to enable a right mouse click.
We are going to be traveling, can we continue training?
If internet access is not readily available then you may need a mobile USB Modem. The data transferred is minimal taking up very little bandwidth. If you are using an iPad you can do one session without WiFi so long as you remain logged in to iCept Training!
Note: For assistance getting started and some helpful training tips click here.
AFTER ICEPT TRAINING
What happens after training?
After training you should re-test your child again using “iCept Testing” on the iPad to see if their skills have improved.
What happens if my child hasn’t improved after training?
The training recommendations are an estimate only. In most cases this will be sufficient as we don’t want your child to be training more than they need to. In other cases (especially if developmental delays are marked) then further training may be required. Don’t be discouraged if the results are not as expected since brain imaging studies show that neurological changes occur even if it has not yet been demonstrated at a behavioural level. Remember, there is no extra cost to add more training. It is advisable to set the same number of days again for repeat training, or if the results are showing as “borderline”, setting half the number of training days. In some cases, students may have to repeat the training for a third time.
Does the training last?
The evidence to date, including clinical observation, shows that the training will last and even continue to improve. Learning a new visual or auditory skill is like learning to ride a bike – once the neurological connections are made then the skill remains. Your child will also be using their new skills every day at school which helps to reinforce development. The exceptions are if training stops before reaching age normal levels (ie. the skills have not yet consolidated), if there is a subsequent head injury (eg. concussion from sports injury) and of course – old age!