Suhar, August 21
The Sultanate of Oman has launched a strategic national research project that aims to revolutionise Arabic reading proficiency among students by integrating advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, this project marks a significant milestone in Oman’s vision to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance educational outcomes.
This pioneering research project is the first in the Arab world to employ eye-tracking technology to improve Arabic reading skills. The project is led by Dr Hilal al Maqbali, Deputy Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Electronic Systems and Student Services at UTAS Sohar. It focuses on the early stages of education — specifically grades 1 to 4 — here foundational literacy skills are established. By analysing students' visual behaviours and cognitive processes, the research aims to identify challenges in reading proficiency and develop targeted interventions.
As Oman accelerates its efforts to integrate AI across various sectors, including education, this research is timely and critical. Strong reading skills are not only essential for academic success but are also foundational for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy—key competencies outlined in Oman’s national framework for future skills.
The use of eye-tracking technology in this study allows for an unprecedented level of precision in understanding how students engage with text. This data-driven approach provides invaluable insights into the cognitive efforts involved in reading, offering a clear path to refining educational strategies and policies.
The government's financial backing of this research underscores Oman’s commitment to innovation through strategic investment in scientific research.
With a budget of RO 22,600, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation have ensured that the project is well-resourced.
The funding supports the acquisition of essential hardware and software and enables a multidisciplinary research team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and the Ministry of Education.
Dr Al Maqbali’s expertise in IT is complemented by the contributions of Dr Badr al Sinani and Dr Ali al Riyami, specialists in Arabic language studies, and Dr Ruqaya al Shezawi, an education expert from the Ministry of Education.
This collaboration between technology and educational specialists exemplifies Oman’s holistic approach to applying AI in educational research.
The study has revealed significant disparities in visual behaviours between effective readers, struggling readers, and non-readers.
Effective readers demonstrated longer fixation durations and higher saccade peak velocities, indicating more efficient reading patterns. In contrast, struggling readers and non-readers exhibited shorter fixations and lower velocities, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Additionally, the research highlighted a strong correlation between students' reading abilities and their home environments.
Effective readers, who showed more efficient visual patterns, often came from households with active parental involvement in education. Conversely, struggling readers were more likely to come from homes with less consistent parental engagement. These findings emphasise the vital role of family support in early literacy development.
The study also found that preschool education significantly impacts reading abilities in the early years. However, by the fourth year, the influence of preschool diminishes, with parental support, student effort, and school support becoming the dominant factors in reading development.
The outcomes of this research are expected to have a profound impact on educational practices and policies in Oman. The insights gained from the study will be shared through workshops and publications, providing actionable recommendations for educators, policymakers, and parents. As Oman continues to prioritise AI and technology in education, the final results of this research, expected in early 2025, are anticipated to drive further innovations and elevate Oman’s educational system, setting a precedent for the broader Arab world.
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