AI educational app gets kids moving

A newly launched app uses artificial intelligence and educational games to get kids exercising.

Luca & Friends is designed for kids aged 4–8, and provides an interactive learning experience in which players play games by moving to select the right answers.

Using basic movements and following simple directions, players might stretch or jump in order to ‘touch’ or ‘catch’ the right answers, helping them build strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility while practicing English and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.

“In an age where kids are spending more and more time in front of their screens, we have created a way to make that time more educational and active,” said Wayne Chung, CEO and co-founder of GOFA INTERNATIONAL, creator of Luca & Friends.

“This app includes principles of English such as nouns and grammar, as well as STEM content such as knowledge of insects, vegetables and fruits and skip counting, and provides kids with fun, exciting and engaging games designed to help instil healthy habits. Through the use of AI technology, these games encourage movement and learning, giving kids the perfect platform on which to improve their knowledge and increase their daily exercise.”

The Luca & Friends story centres on a galaxy far, far away, where Prince Luca and his alien friends Pumkey, Digby and Mighty Coca embark on a mission to save Earth from hate, fighting and hurt. The characters then appear in the app to connect kids to the exciting worlds of learning and movement.

Key features of Luca & Friends will include the following:

• Social interaction: All games are socially interactive with a leaderboard and other social elements.
• Educational content: Luca & Friends offers over 100 lessons and activities covering English and STEM topics. All content has been created by accredited teachers and trainers and is linked to curriculum standards.
• Rewards: Luca & Friends offers loyalty and reward programs to motivate kids to stay active.
• Parent dashboard: The Parent Zone progress dashboard shows parents the play history for their child and allows them to track their child’s growth status.
• Playback Mode: The app collects a short video of the player so they can see themselves move during gameplay.
• A quiet mode: Players can revert back to touchscreen play in situations where there isn’t the opportunity to move around.
• Multiple display options: While the app is recommended for iPad and tablet use, players can also connect their device to a large-format smart TV through AirPlay or Chromecast and play in front of the larger screen.
   

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/kromkrathog