03 / Experience shapes connections

Your brain changes as you learn.

Try the learning demo. Watch a pathway become more established as you repeat a fictional skill.

The connection labPractising a new guitar chord
Explore
A simplified learning networkRepeating the practice demonstration highlights a connected route between nerve cells. The route is illustrative, not a scan or a measure of brain strength.TRYRECALL

Dots represent neurons; lines represent connections. Brightness and line thickness are visual metaphors, not measured biology. Demo steps are not practice doses.

A useful word to know

Neuroplasticity

neuro = brain / nerves   ·   plasticity = ability to change

Your brain’s ability to change its connections and activity in response to experience. Connections between neurons can strengthen, weaken, form, or be removed.

Try, notice, adjust.

A new chord can feel awkward. Tap “Practise the skill” to explore a simplified picture of how repeated activity can support learning.

01

Learning is physical.

Experiences can change the way neurons communicate. “Rewiring” is a shorthand for many kinds of biological change.

02

It continues in adults.

Plasticity does not disappear after adolescence. Adults can learn skills and develop new patterns too.

03

It can reinforce unwanted patterns.

Nicotine can recruit learning systems so that people, places, or routines become cues to use it again.