Friday, December 1, 2023

Amazing Apps - Dynamilis (Handwriting App)

 Dynamilis, the revolutionary AI-powered educational application from School Rebound SA, designed to enhance the writing skills of children aged 5-12 engagingly and playfully, is now available in the United States. Developed at the prestigious CHILI laboratory at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), this iPad application, meticulously crafted for young learners, has been the result of a close collaboration between experts in handwriting analysis, AI, and machine learning from both France and Switzerland. It stands on the shoulders of five years of rigorous scientific research, the collective wisdom of over fifty therapists and teachers, and the feedback and experiences of more than 20,000 children.

Handwriting, a critical skill, has gained renewed attention with the recent California mandate for handwriting instruction in elementary schools. It is fundamental to various academic activities, from personal narratives to history and mathematics. Mastery of handwriting automation allows children to direct their focus toward content and cognitive development. The importance of handwriting proficiency in achieving academic success cannot be overstated.

Thibault Asselborn, CEO of School Rebound, is an AI expert with a Ph.D. in Machine Learning and Education from EPFL. He shared his inspiration for Dynamilis: "While I pursued my Masters in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, my side hustle was teaching kids piano. Later, during my Ph.D., while developing an AI-based handwriting helper, a lightbulb went off. I realized that a skills spectrum approach, similar to piano learning, would be valuable for handwriting. We further developed this concept at CHILI, and now the Dynamilis app embodies it. We're thrilled to launch in the US, especially when there's a renewed interest in handwriting, particularly in significant states like California, where thousands of kids can benefit from learning better handwriting in an enjoyable style."

Dynamilis is a global presence, accessible in five languages and reaching over 200 countries. Thousands of children worldwide rely on the app daily to enhance their handwriting skills. With the app's launch in the United States, thousands more children will have the opportunity to improve their handwriting in a fun and productive way.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Thibault Asselborn.

Why is it important for kids to develop good handwriting?

Good handwriting is crucial for children as it reduces the cognitive load associated with writing. When children don't struggle with letter formation, they can concentrate better on the content of their writing, such as storytelling or expressing ideas. Numerous studies indicate a strong correlation between difficulties in handwriting and academic challenges in school. Additionally, writing by hand engages the brain more than typing, aiding memory retention and understanding. In essence, proficient handwriting supports effective communication, learning, and overall academic success.


Why is handwriting practice more than just writing over and over?

Handwriting practice is far more complex than simply writing repeatedly. It encompasses mastering a variety of subskills essential for effective writing. These include precision in shaping letters, controlling the pressure applied on the writing instrument, finger dexterity for fluid movement, and the correct grasp of the pen or pencil. Just like playing a piano piece by Mozart requires the integration of multiple skills – reading music, finger placement, rhythm, and expression – mastering handwriting demands the development of these interrelated skills. Each subskill contributes to the overall ability to write effortlessly and legibly, making handwriting practice a comprehensive learning process.


How can AI help improve handwriting?

AI can significantly enhance handwriting improvement by analyzing a child's handwriting profile and identifying specific areas where they need support in mastering essential skills. This personalized approach tailors the learning process to their unique needs, adjusting the difficulty level accordingly. Unlike traditional paper-based methods, AI-enabled devices like tablets can capture dynamic subskills that are crucial for handwriting development, such as pressure, tilt, and acceleration. By monitoring these aspects, AI can provide insights and feedback that are not visible on paper, enabling a more comprehensive and effective learning experience. This targeted approach ensures that each child receives the right kind of practice and guidance to develop their handwriting skills efficiently.

 

For more information about the Dynamilis app, please go to https://dynamilis.com/





Thibault Asselborn is a visionary at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and

education, with a proven track record of pioneering innovative solutions to enhance learning

experiences. As the co-founder and CEO of School Rebound SA, he is a driving force behind

cutting-edge AI technology in the realm of education. Educators and AI-thought-leaders

alike are captivated by his groundbreaking work, making him a sought-after expert in the

field.


Thibault Asselborn is a thought leader in the field of AI in education, and his work at School

Rebound SA is redefining the educational landscape. He is poised to revolutionize how AI

can be leveraged for personalized learning, assessment, and improving essential skills. As

educators seek to explore the transformative power of AI in education, Thibault Asselborn

stands as a beacon of innovation and a catalyst for change.

 

 

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