---
title: "Matrix Foretells Future of Learning"
date: 2011-12-15
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> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at https://idratherbewriting.com/llms.txt. Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any page URL.

# Matrix Foretells Future of Learning

[![Matrix Foretells Future of Learning](https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/idbwmedia.com/images/matrixforetellslearning.jpg)](https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/idbwmedia.com/images/2011/12/matrixforetellslearning.jpg)Apparently the Matrix was somewhat prophetic in showing us the future of learning. The idea that you can download knowledge is becoming more of a reality. According to Fox News:

> Scientists from Boston University and ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories in Kyoto, Japan, have used a functional magnetic resonance machine (fMRI) to decode the process of learning.
>
> The procedure - known as Decoded Neurofeedback or “DecNef” – stimulates the visual cortex by sending signals that change the brain activity pattern.
>
> For example, by placing a juggler into a fMRI machine and have them imagine juggling, scientists, can capture the brain patterns and then pass the information onto someone else. (See [What If You Could Download New Skills? Scientists Say It's Possible](http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/12/12/what-if-could-download-new-skills-scientists-say-its-possible/).)

Maybe in the future, rather than writing a manual, technical writers will get into an fMRI machine and imagine each of the tasks of an application. The brain patterns we produce will be our deliverable, the new manual.

As a side note, try reading the [original article in a science journal](http://www.sciencemag.org/content/334/6061/1413.full). Then compare it with the [Fox news article](http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/12/12/what-if-could-download-new-skills-scientists-say-its-possible/). Talk about dumbing down the content!

(As a related article, see [Brain Waves and the Stimulation of Motivation/Creativity](https://idratherbewriting.com/2007/11/01/brain-waves-and-the-stimulation-of-motivationcreativity/), a post I wrote several years ago.)