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App Store Revenue Optimization Class (SlideShare Embedded)

By , 10/31/2011 at 11:12 am

Last Thursday night, I had the privilege of teaching an iTunes App Store Revenue Optimization class at General Assembly, a prominent tech/startup co-working space here in New York.  The class covered a variety of strategies that can help app developers ensure that their apps get discovered, convert to downloads, and earn money.  I’d have to say that the class went really well and was pretty useful to everyone including me!

So, at the risk of giving away our hard-earned secrets, I’d like to share the presentation with the world here.  (After the jump.)  Obviously there were a ton of great nuggets that were only covered verbally and/or that Brainscape is still keeping to ourselves, but this should give anyone a great overview of the many components of the app Value-Creation Funnel.  Please share any comments about alternative techniques that you have taken to help you refine your app’s optimal monetization strategy. (more…)

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WSJ on Studying for Tests

By , 10/27/2011 at 2:17 pm

There was an interesting article published in the Wall Street Journal yesterday discussing the best ways to prepare for tests. The author interviewed students preparing for standardized tests (like the SAT), but I think the advice and tips given apply to any test you have to study for.  (more…)

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Brainscape on Fueled.com: Putting the Flash in Flashcards

By , 10/26/2011 at 8:37 am

This past week I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeremy Rothschild at the Fueled Blog about Brainscape, what we do and where we’re going. Jeremy heard about Brainscape through the Made in NYC list and wanted to learn more about us. It seems like he totally gets what we’re all about here, judging from what he wrote for the Fueled Blog yesterday!

 

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Brainscape in the Classroom: Charlie Minard

By , 10/25/2011 at 8:41 am

If you use a Brainscape app, you may remember a open call for students using Brainscape to study for their classes to join the Brainscape Student Ambassadors(you can still join, by the way!). Since then, we’ve had close to 100 students sign up for the group and use Brainscape to study for their classes with their peers. Charlie was one of the first students to sign up, and has since become an active member of the group.

You will see a few posts by Charlie on the Brainscape blog in the coming months. He’ll be sharing his experience as a student ambassador. I know I am looking forward to following his progress! Please join me in welcoming University of Wisconsin-Madison Freshman, Charlie Minard, to the Brainscape Blog. -Amanda Moritz

Hi, my name is Charlie and I am from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. This year, I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I hope to pursue majors in international business and Spanish.  I found Brainscape on the iTunes AppStore when I was looking for good flashcard app for Spanish. Since then I’ve been using Brainscape all the time. Over the summer, I joined Brainscape’s Student Ambassador program, which is used to use and spread the word about Brainscape at my school.

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The most critical yet under-rated educational activity

By , 10/24/2011 at 7:49 am

This morning at Starbucks, I overheard a guy sitting next to me painfully attempting to explain the rules of a card game to his poor confused girlfriend.  His questionable word choice, misguided order of explanation, and long-winded detail were almost too hard to listen to.  I jokingly thought to myself: How could society let such inefficient people grow up like this?  We should have lessons in school where we are trained on how to explain complex games in the simplest way possible.

Then it dawned on me.  Explaining the rules of complex games is uncannily similar to the types of executive mental functions used every day by the world’s most successful people.  We really should be teaching these skills in school, and games may be a great way to do it. (more…)

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Cut Distractions, Improve Concentration with Binaural Beats

By , 10/20/2011 at 12:33 pm

Those of us that work in a busy office are constantly reminded of our distractibility. Someone walking in front of us will cause our heads to turn, and draw attention away from our current task. A sensation on our arm, and we pause to inspect it. Sudden sounds derail our trains of thought.

In the case of distracting sounds, I’ve found a useful tool: binaural beats. Binaural beats are sound recordings that supposedly trigger certain brain waves when you listen to them on headphones. (more…)

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The Alexander Technique, Back Pain and ADHD

By , at 7:37 am

The Alexander Technique was something I’d tried in order to improve my back problems. It’s had a significant effect on my back, but a side effect was it’s effect on my attention.

For those of you that don’t know, the Alexander Technique is essentially a method of retraining your postural habits. An AT instructor will begin by observing and analyzing the way you move when doing everyday things, such as:

  • Walking
  • Standing / Sitting down
  • Picking up your coffee
  • Tying your shoes
  • …basically anything you do with your body (hey now). (more…)
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Brain Games: Lumosity

By , 10/19/2011 at 8:39 am

In Norman Doidge MD’s book The Brain That Changes Itself, he details amazing stories of how people were able to overcome learning disabilities, brain failure from stroke, even deafness and blindness.

“Playing Koi” Game on lumosity.com

All this revolutionary change comes from a new understanding of the way the brain works. Neuroplasticity, the idea that the brain is not only changeable (contrary to the belief held by scientists for decades), but in fact VERY changeable at any age. Furthermore there are actual techniques and tools to develop your brain in the same way you would a muscle.

One of the tools I’ve discovered get your brain in shape is Lumosity. (more…)

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Vipassana Meditation and ADHD (or, How I Felt After 10 Days of Silence)

By , 10/18/2011 at 12:30 pm

Soon after I was formally diagnosed with attention deficit disorder several years back, I became vigilant in finding natural alternatives for treating ADHD. Vipassana Meditation is what I’d say to be one of the most effective approaches that I’ve personally tried.

For those who haven’t heard of it, Vipassana is a type of meditation that is related to mindfulness meditation. The technique is in effect a step-by-step guide on how to pay attention. (more…)

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howcast.com: Learn the Things You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask About

By , at 8:30 am

Have you ever NOT known how to do something…but were too embarrassed to ask someone?

It’s easy to miss out on social knowledge growing up. Whether you’re an average kid or someone with ADHD or LD, there’s now a website you can go to to learn all that stuff you were afraid to ask about. (more…)

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