Bridging Literature and Technology: Our Workshop at the Toronto Book Fair

The Toronto Book Fair: Where Literature Meets Technology

The Toronto Book Fair is a celebration of storytelling, bringing together authors, educators, and book lovers from all walks of life. This year, I had the privilege of hosting a workshop at Université de l'Ontario Français that merged the worlds of literature and technology, using my book Le Monde de Sabbih and an AI-powered DJI drone to inspire young minds.

Bringing Stories to Life

Le Monde de Sabbih tells the story of a young girl who overcomes challenges to pursue her dreams in STEM. My goal at the fair was not only to share Sabbih’s journey but also to provide a hands-on experience that would ignite curiosity about robotics and engineering. By incorporating an AI-powered DJI drone into my workshop, I demonstrated how storytelling and cutting-edge technology can work together to create an interactive and engaging learning experience.

The Power of Hands-On Learning

During the workshop, participants were introduced to the fascinating world of drones and their real-world applications, from aerial photography to environmental monitoring. But this was more than just a demonstration—kids had the unique opportunity to fly a DJI drone themselves, using AI-assisted controls to navigate the space. We explored the principles of flight, the basics of drone programming, and how artificial intelligence enhances drone functionality. The excitement on their faces as they successfully maneuvered the drone for the first time reaffirmed the power of experiential learning.

Merging Literature and STEM

Many parents and educators often see literature and STEM as separate fields, but my workshop aimed to show how they complement each other beautifully. Through Le Monde de Sabbih, children connected emotionally with a story about perseverance and innovation. The drone activity then provided a tangible way to see STEM concepts in action, making technology feel more accessible and exciting. By combining storytelling with hands-on drone piloting, we bridged the gap between imagination and real-world application.

Encouraging Future Innovators

Workshops like these are essential in preparing the next generation for careers in science and technology. By blending literature with interactive STEM activities, we can foster both creativity and critical thinking. My experience at the Toronto Book Fair reaffirmed that storytelling is a powerful tool for education and that technology can make learning more dynamic and inspiring.

As we continue to develop educational workshops, I hope to encourage more young minds to dream big—just like Sabbih. Whether through books, AI-driven drones, or robotics, the future of learning is all about exploration, innovation, and the limitless possibilities of human imagination.