Authors, publishers, innovators, startup founders and other experts participate in the three-day festival
“Haprow”, a cute little robot helps children learn. PHOTO: AUTHOR
KARACHI:
The three-day Karachi International Book and Technology Fair (KIBTF) kicked off at the Karachi Expo Center on Friday.
Educational technologies, STEM competitions and thought-provoking discussion sessions are also part of the festival.
Authors, publishers, innovators, startup founders and other experts participate in the three-day festival.
“Haprow”, a cute little robot, attracted attention as it was manufactured in Pakistan through the efforts of the National Incubation Center in Karachi. The AI-powered robot helps children learn and is designed to be a virtual friend for children with autism. Its other version is a disinfection robot that kills germs and pathogens using ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Students participating in a competition at KIBTF. PHOTO: KIBTF
Various new startups also presented their digital products, offering 100% online courses with an effective learning feedback mechanism. An Islamabad-based company has introduced its textbooks containing STEM learning to enable students to code even at the primary level. Another edtech startup showcased 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 this is much needed in the digital learning scenario. Both companies said they are working to provide a wider platform for Pakistani authors and publishers.
Students from different institutions participated in STEM competitions at KIBTF. PHOTO: BY THE AUTHOR
Robothon and STEM competitions were another feature 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 One National Curriculum, the role of journalism in education, smart classrooms and the future of book publishing.
Round tables and discussions are part of the show. 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 3 is the last day of KIBTF, where many inspiring talks are planned. Topics range from AI in classrooms, educational technology startups, learning strategies for children with autism, and conferences on other topics that will be hosted.
