New Adojo app aims to keep children moving and grooving

What do an entrepreneur, a cognitive neuroscientist, a game designer, a Hollywood film producer, an Italian soccer team owner, a child psychiatrist, and a tech founder have in common? 

 

They all collaborated on Adojo, the first tablet app with a focus on social-emotional development for kids age 4 and older that combines movement with learning.

 

Adojo co-founders Nadia Haven and Dr. Isabel Hutchison wanted to create an app for children that engages both their minds and bodies.

 

Haven comes from an impressive background. 

 

“Before setting out as an entrepreneur, I had a career working on internet infrastructure programs across Africa and the Middle East. I earned an MBA from Oxford University.” 

 

Hutchison has an equally imposing resume. She started programming at 13 and has a Ph.D in cognitive neuroscience. “She has always had a passion for creativity which shows up in the product and in her pursuit of hobbies like playing banjo and drawing,” Have said. “She completed her post-doc at Northwestern and her research was focused on skill development and memory.”

 

Many learning apps available today promote a sedentary lifestyle. Adojo uses movement-based learning, so children are learning and staying active, especially during the hot humid summer days spent inside. “By integrating physical activity with education, Adojo aligns perfectly with the values of Daniel Island families.”

 

The name Adojo stems from the concept of a dojo, traditionally a place for immersive learning and practice. Adojo’s combination of movement-based learning, innovative AI technology that seamlessly integrates movement and learning encourages kids to stay active instead of hunching over screens.

 

“This approach ensures that our advanced AI technology is a groundbreaking feature that has never been deployed to support kids’ learning. This enables Adojo to provide an interactive and offline learning experience that requires only a tablet, with no additional equipment needed. This makes our app both accessible and convenient for families,” Haven explained.

 

Adojo comes with a personalized friend, Adojo the monkey. This passionate primate adds a fun connection for children during their learning experience.

 

“We’ve created Adojo the monkey, an in-app companion for children. This friendly guide supports and encourages them throughout their journey, making learning both interactive and emotionally enriching.”

 

Adojo was developed with input from parents and professionals. 

 

“We also worked closely with child psychiatrists, educators, teachers, special needs experts and occupational therapists to ensure Adojo uses the latest research on child development and education.” 

 

Last month, 12 children and their parents came to test Adojo during a pre-launch event at DI’s Holy Spirit Island School. Katharine Matthews, owner of Lucia’s Premium Pet, and her son, Levi, adored the app.

 

“He was so engaged while playing the games. I love that it is an active way for them to have screen time, especially during these hot summer days.”

 

Adojo officially launches Aug. 15. More information is available at adojo.app and its social media pages. A cost may be associated with the app.