Authors, editors, innovators, startup founders and other experts participate during the three days of the festival
“Haprow”, a cute little robot helps children learn. PHOTO: AUTHOR
KARACHI:
The three-day Karachi International Book and Technology Fair (KIBTF) began on Friday at the Karachi Exhibition Centre.
Educational technologies, STEM competitions and thought-provoking talks are also part of the festival.
Authors, editors, innovators, startup founders and other experts participate during the three-day festival.
“Haprow”, a cute little robot, attracted attention because it was manufactured in Pakistan with the efforts of the National Incubation Center in Karachi. The AI robot helps children learn and is designed to be a virtual friend for children with autism. Its different version is a disinfectant robot that kills germs and pathogens with ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Students in a competition at KIBTF. PHOTO: KIBTF
Several new startups also showcased their digital products, offering 100% online classes with an effective learning feedback mechanism. An Islamabad-based company has introduced its school books with STEM learning to train students in coding even at the primary level. Another educational technology startup presented its experience in project-based learning for young minds to avoid rote learning.
KIBTF starts in Karachi. PHOTO: KIBTF
Fiction Genie and Storise are two local companies dedicated to producing audiobooks from Pakistani publishers as it is much needed in the digital learning scenario. Both companies said they are working to provide a larger platform for Pakistani authors and publishers.
Students from different institutions participated in STEM competitions at KIBTF. PHOTO: BY AUTHOR
Robothon and STEM competitions were another hallmark of KIBTF, where students from different schools participated with creative ideas.
Discussion sessions
KIBTF also organized parallel sessions on learning and education. Different experts spoke about the future of learning, teaching with AI, the single national curriculum, the role of journalism in education, smart classrooms and the future of book publishing.
Discussion panels and talks are part of the fair. PHOTO: AUTHOR
Ameena Saiyad, Dr. Nigar Sajjad Zaheer, Ali K Chishti, Dr. Naveed Yousuf and others expressed their views on different topics directly or indirectly related to education and learning.
May 3rd is the last day of KIBTF, where many inspiring discussions are planned. Topics range from AI in classrooms, educational technology startups, learning strategies for autistic children, and talks on other topics to be held.
