Tag: technology

San Francisco Bans Facial Recognition Software

B1 – Intermediate

Facial recognition is biometric technology. It works by getting a picture of a person and then using that photo to identify the individual through facial analytics. The results are then compared to existing photos in the database.

Facial recognition systems are commonly used for security purposes. But in San Francisco, the police cannot use it anymore.

Read the article below to know more about this ban on facial recognition software.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1905/190517-big-brother-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Why was facial recognition software banned in San Francisco?
2. What are the pros and cons of facial recognition?
3. Do you agree or disagree that facial recognition software is Big Brother technology?
4. What is your opinion on prohibiting facial recognition technologies?
5. How does the police maintain security in your city?

Japan’s Robot Hotel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan is a world leader in robotics technology, and the government is trumpeting robotics as a pillar of its growth strategy.  The Henn na – or Weird Hotel – has opened in Japan where guests check in with robots which also deliver their luggage to their rooms. Another feature is facial recognition technology, so instead of the standard electronic keys, a digital image of the guest’s face is registered during check-in.

Watch the video and discuss the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of a hotel staffed by robots?
  2. Would you like to check-in in this type of accommodation?
  3. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having robots as staffs in a hotel?
  4. What is the most surprising and exciting things that you have ever experienced in a unique or strange hotel?

Passwords to Be Replaced by Web Authentication

B1 – Intermediate

IT experts believe passwords are not as effective as before. Threats to our online accounts are becoming stronger. We need a stronger and simpler login process.

Read more about the more secure login system.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1904/190401-web-authentication-4.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What is Web Authentication? What are the good and bad things about it?
2. Which do you think is stronger: biometrics or passwords? Talk about the good and bad things for each.
3. What are ways to make your online accounts e.g. bank, social media etc. passwords strong?

Viral Video

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We see it everyday; people sharing, retweeting, reposting images, videos or even just texts on social media. Most would do it for humour and entertainment. How does an online material get viral? What drives netizens to share them?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-170817

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do people share materials on social media?

2. What are high arousal emotions?

3. What kinds of videos or links do you usually share on social media?

Lie Detector Tests at Airports

B1 – Intermediate

When passing immigration at airports, immigration officers ask to see your passport and travel documents. They also ask questions about your trip.

In some European countries, they are trying a computer-generated border officer.

Find out more about the computerized border guards.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1811/181105-lie-detector-tests-1.html

Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about using a lie detector machine at the airports?
2. What do you think are the good and bad things about using this technology?
3. Talk about your experience/s with immigration at airports.

Doctor Consultations Online

B2 – Upper Intermediate

More and more patients are finding consultations with their doctors online very convenient. Doctors deem it useful as added pressure on health services arise stemming from increasing and aging populations.

Read more about online visits to the doctor.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47196286

Discussion Questions:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online consultations both on doctors and patients’ side?
2. What are your thoughts on this?
3. Talk about your experience/s visiting your doctor.

Social and Political Bots

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Social media is an important tool for learning about current events and information. However, fake social media accounts called ‘bots’ have been used to try to influence public opinion even politics—and it is not always for the better.

We have been deceived by a computer-generated bot at one point or another. How do bots play a role in influencing public opinion to help spread awareness about a particular issue the person/group who created them cares about.

Watch the video to know more about how bots are affecting social activism and politics.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are political and activist bots?
  2. What is your take on using big data technology to help manipulate election results?
  3. What are ways to know you are engaged in a discourse with a bot?
  4. How can bots be of benefit to and risk for us?
  5. Anyone can easily create a Twitter bot nowadays. Ainsley O’Connell believes this is a great and empowering thing for the electorate in enabling them to magnify their voices. What are your thoughts on this?

Smart Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The population is beginning to move to urban areas, mainly due to economic reasons. Along with that ever-growing number of citizens are the huge challenges the cities face. Imagine from small cities to sprawling metropolis issues like traffic congestion, climate change, providing quality education, and affordable housing as well as health services.

Cities are also the heart of innovation. Imagine surpassing all of these challenges and making your city a smart city where people could live fulfilled and meaningful lives, offering great opportunities and enabled seamlessly by technology.

Watch the video below to learn more about smart cities.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is a smart city?
2. What are smart cities all about?
3. How does technology empower communities and social inclusion?
4. How can we enable educating the urban population to understand the smart city concept?

5. What do you think are the advantages and pitfalls of smart cities?

Digital Citizenship

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Internet safety is now a major concern for everybody who depends on technology a lot. It has been a critical issue, especially for parents of children in the 21st century. They are exposed to malicious hackers and bullies glossing over their privacy.

Learn more all about digital citizenship through the video below.

https://youtu.be/SAQLjT4jwzQ

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you concerned about internet safety?
2. Do you think schools should incorporate digital citizenship into their curriculums?
3. Should big tech companies be in the business of teaching children how to be good digital citizens?
4. How do you learn to be safe online?
5. Did someone teach you how to identify schemers, hackers, and bullies online?
6. How important is it to be safe online?

Flying Taxi

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The idea of a flying taxi that will keep us from getting late is definitely a dream come true especially for commuters who always get stuck in really bad traffic congestion on a daily basis.

Here’s a video about a self-piloting flying taxi in New Zealand.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think flying taxi is the solution to the traffic problem? Explain.
  2. What are the pros and cons of using flying taxis?
  3. Talk about some traffic problems and the traffic system in your city/country.