Tag: technology

Microchip Implants for Employees

B2 – Upper intermediate

Implanting Microchips has always raised issues worldwide.  Is it ethical and are we really ready for it? In Sweden this year, the newly opened Epicenter office complex in Stockholm makes this chip implant possible.

Check the video and share your thoughts.

Discuss:

1. What do you think about being chipped? Is it ethical?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a microchip implant?
3. Would you voluntary have one under your skin?

*Click the title to listen to an audio of a similar topic: Human Microchips

 

Robotic Firefighter

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C2 – Proficient

Some elements of science fiction are turning into science facts. Case in point,  the use of machines that have humanoid form to do tasks too risky for their Homo sapiens counterparts is slowly but steadily changing operations in various industries.

One such robot is SAFFiR. Read about this firefighting mechanical wonder and watch the video as well.

U.S. Navy unveils robotic firefighter

Discuss:

1. How do you feel about robots saving human lives in dangerous situations?
2. Do you think robots would do a better job than human beings in search and rescue operations?
3. Why do you think some robots are engineered to resemble humans physically?
4. Do you dread or look forward to the further rise of the machines?

Are Computers Making Us Less Clever?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In this digital age, humans are growing more and more reliant on technology. We all know that technology is supposed to make our lives easier and more comfortable. However, what do you think are the things that we are losing when we rely too much on computers and smartphones?

Listen to the podcast and be ready to answer some discussions. Take note of new vocabulary words.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/150122

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some skills that you think you may have lost a little due to gadget/technology dependency?
  2. How do you make sure you don’t get de-skilled at something?
  3. In your opinion, how dependent are we on computers? Cite examples of situations that prove your point.
  4. Do you agree that we are dependent on computers and technology? Why or why not?
  5. How dependent are you on your phone? Why do you think this is the case?
  6. Which do you prefer, meeting other people online or speaking with them face-to-face? Why?

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

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B2 – Upper intermediate

The use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) has been around for years and yet the issue of whether it is safe or not has not yet been fully concluded. Because of that, there are groups and individuals who are against the use of GMO in consumer products.

‘Safer GMOs’ made by US scientists

Discuss:

1. What is your stand on this issue?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of GMO?
3. The article talks about new and “safer” GMO. Do you think it is a better option? Why or why not?

 

Toyota Selling Hydrogen Fuel Car

toyota mirai
Photograph: Toyota/EPA

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Toyota has started selling a few hundred Mirai cars in Japan, US and Europe.  The Japanese car maker has taken its first small step into the unproven market for emissions-free, hydrogen-powered vehicles.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/18/toyota-begin-selling-fuel-cell-cars-mirai

Discussion Questions:

1. Which car bands do you prefer?
2. Do you think more environment-friendly cars should be produced?
3. Are there now more and more “green” cars running aound your city?
4. Is air pollution a major problem in your country? Kindly discuss.

The World of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tech pro Elon Musk warned people about the danger of artificial intelligence. Nowadays, machines are all around us. Opinions will differ when it comes to AI.

https://money.cnn.com/2014/10/26/technology/elon-musk-artificial-intelligence-demon/?iid=EL

Discussion Questions:

1. Has AI made our lives better?
2. Do you see the dangers of using or relying on artificial intelligence?
3. Do you support artificial intelligence?
4. Do you think we can depend on Elon Musk’s statement about AI?

The Danger of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientist Stephen Hawking believes that Artificial intelligence can be a threat to human race.

Read the article below to know more about the possible consequences of artificial intelligence. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/1412/141209-stephen-hawking.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know about artificial intelligence?
2. Do you believe this famous scientist’s
statement?
3. How have robots helped us in the past 15 years?
4. In your opinion, what are some jobs that only people can do?

Foodini Food Printer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Lazy old days won’t be the same once you have a 3D printer that will just give you what you are craving for. ‘Foodini’ is an innovative machine that will print real food without taking your time preparing it. It was introduced by Natural Machines.

https://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/06/tech/innovation/foodini-machine-print-food/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you like to taste food straight from your printer? Why or why not?
2. Do you think food items processed by ‘Foodini’ are healthy? Explain your thoughts.
3. Will this machine be a helpful one? Is it worth buying, especially when it costs top dollar? Explain.
4. If you could invent something related to food, what would it be?
5. What are some of the food inventions that you truly enjoy and/or would like to try?

Bridging the Technology Gap

B1 – Intermediate

We are in the high technology age. Technical devices get upgraded almost every time.

However, did we consider those people still living in the past? If they have the same knowledge of technology as the people of this generation?

This article contains a video and an audio clip. Feel free to to watch and listen.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/teen-senior-bridge-technology-gap/2451596.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should we consider this gap a social issue?
  2. Is it easy to bridge this gap between your own grandparents or older parents?
  3. In your household, is everyone very knowledgeable when it comes to tech gadgets and devices?
  4. What domestic appliances do you have that are very modern?

Video: Young Kids as Coders

C1 – Advanced

Meet Max, a ten year old boy, whose interest is, probably, far different from most kids his age. Watch as he talks about why he thinks it’s important for young kids to be taught how to write codes.

Ten-year-old computer programmer backs school change

Discuss:

1. What can you say about Max?
2. Do you agree with what he said?
3. Do you think it would be good to teach Spanish children to code computer programs too?