+ MemoryMate helps students and teachers

While studying education, we had the great opportunity to interview a special education teacher in Cincinnati schools. We learned about the unique approaches and challenges around teaching students with learning disabilities and were inspired to help.

Memory and organization are the biggest problems for these students, so teachers have created a system that uses binders, an accordion folder, and pencil pouch to give each student the structure they need to keep track of assignments and projects. However, the teacher’s job isn’t done when the final bell rings. Students often forget about homework the moment they leave class, so teachers must call home each night to inform parents of the assigned projects. This added responsibility can distract from actual instruction, so we developed a concept to make the system more efficient and help students be more independent.

MemoryMate is an intelligent organization system for students with learning disabilities. It replaces the traditional accordion folder and adds an intelligent system of reminders.

MemoryMate is an intelligent organization system for students with learning disabilities. It replaces the traditional accordion folder and adds an intelligent system of reminders. By adding visual and audible cues, students are reminded of each subject and assignment that is due. The concept upgrades a system of folders and binders with digital technology, saving teachers time from administrative duties and letting them focus on true instruction.

Typically, teachers must individually stuff each student's folder with hand outs for nightly assignments. With MemoryMate, students receive files wirelessly via the teacher's computer. Students' individual needs can vary greatly, but paper handouts limit the assignments from being customized. MemoryMate allows teachers to easily customize assignments based on individual student needs.

Recognizing that certain stigmas can be associated with this type of product, we created a bracelet, watch, and phone application to give students options.

Finally, the current method lacks any reminder system, forcing the teacher to call home each night to relay the assignments to parents. In addition, students need help remembering to take their medications on a regular basis. MemoryMate offers a suite of products to provide students with reminders. Recognizing that certain stigmas can be associated with this type of product, we created a bracelet, watch, and phone application to give students options. Young students wear the rubber bracelet much like they would a Livestrong band. As they mature, the watch and phone app provide them the reminders they need, while also helping them feel like they've moved into young adulthood.