A Digital Revolution in the World of Reading.. Honoring Reda El-Kerdawy for Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Presentations of the “Arab Reading Challenge” Competition

In an exceptional step that lays the foundation for a new future for technology-enhanced culture and education, the “Arab Reading Challenge” competition honored journalist Reda El-Kerdawy in recognition of her success in introducing artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies into the methods of presenting stories and book summaries presented by participating students.

This annual competition is held under the supervision and patronage of the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation,” with the aim of instilling a passion for knowledge and reading in the minds of younger generations, and developing critical thinking and expression skills in Modern Standard Arabic among millions of students around the world.

The digital initiative led by El-Kerdawy brought about a remarkable interactive transformation in the students’ presentations; artificial intelligence tools were employed to transform traditional texts and summaries into impressive visual experiences, including talking models and interactive videos embodying the ideas of the books, which contributed to connecting paper-based reading with modern digital media that attract today’s generation.

In a comment following this honor, journalist Reda El-Kerdawy emphasized that integrating artificial intelligence into education and culture has become an inevitable necessity to reach the “metaverse generation,” help it comprehend knowledge content, and preserve its identity and Arabic language through the tools of the age.

This experience received widespread praise from the judging committees and those interested in educational affairs, who considered the initiative an inspiring model that opens unlimited horizons for developing curricula and reading activities and transforming them from rote learning into live interaction and an integrated visual experience.

So that the recipient can benefit from it and so that we can gain the largest number of people who know the Arabic language, it is worth mentioning that Reda El-Kerdawy introduced the artificial intelligence system into education about six years ago, in 2020, and in particular, she paid special attention to students from families requiring priority care. She provided comprehensive support and care for the family and employment opportunities for family members, so that the child would not drop out of education. She also aimed to raise the child’s scientific and academic level to high levels of knowledge and culture. She therefore enrolled outstanding students in the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence at Cairo University and the Child University, and also included them in activities organized by the Egyptian Space Agency, the National Research Center, and others.