Prompto

Abstract

Micro-learning [1], cognitive training, and even memory training [2] are a few examples of applications that have been made easier-to-use and more available with mobile, wearable, and ubiquitous technologies. Many of them are also presented through conversational interfaces. Current systems for learning and training focus on providing prompts via notifications to start the training sessions at times when we are available. They use timebased or activity-based reminders to prompt us to engage in the notified tasks, be it learning a new word or playing a cognition-enhancing game. A key challenge is that a well-timed prompt may not be effective if the user is not cognitively available to engage in the intervention [3]. Prompto [4] is a mobile system that opportunistically provides prompts when users are cognitively available: during moments of lowered cognitive load and emotional arousal; these are likely during calm and idle moments. At these moments, we are possibly more receptive to learning and remembering.