Martina Garbolino

Distance learning system to teach children handwriting and phonetics.

ELLO is a system that combines digital and analogue means to remotely support children in learning handwriting and phonetics. 

“There are places on Earth, in every Country, where, for various reasons, good schools cannot be built and good teachers cannot or don’t want to go.”  - S.Mitra

In today's world it might be easier to get a smartphone that have access to quality education or education at all. ELLO proposes a new way for children to learn by himself, using accessible means designed for them. It consists in three parts: a digital app, an exercise book, and a physical device.

The digital app instructs children on what to do and gives them feedback using its character, Ello, and its adventures. Presented as a story, it creates a fun and engaging learning environment.

Designed alongside the app there is a printable exercise book, to give children focused guidance and dimensional references.

The combination of physical book and digital app allows a full exploration of each letter, learning how to draw the shape, practicing it, but listening to and memorising its sound. 

The physical device is a really low cost smart grip that can be attached to any pen or pencil, and digitalises what the children are writing on any surface they desire. It is the first product that digitalise handwriting for just £3, maintaining a free pen and paper interaction.

ELLO’s mission is not only about helping children to develop fine motor control and learn to write, but to create a new way of learning that is fun and rewarding, and stimulates children to grow more open minded,  curious and creative.