Tag: technology

Guyana Tribe Goes Hi-Tech

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Perhaps never in our wildest imagination would we associate the jungle with cutting-edge technology. The Wai-wais, members of the smallest tribe in South America, are defying technology barriers in order to continue being the stewards of the rainforests in this nation.

Read the article on how members of the Guyana tribe are being trained to use technology while being stewards of their environment.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39282922

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it necessary for the Wai-wais to learn the use of technology?
2. What do you think of this drastic change? How would this impact their old way of life?
3. Are there any tribes/indigenous groups in your country? Share what you know about them.

Virtual Reality in the Classroom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual reality used to be just something out of a movie. Now, it is widely used in different industries, whether it be in entertainment or in technical training. But is it as effective if it is used in classrooms? Are there any physical side effects to using virtual reality?

Click the link below and read the article to know more of the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual reality.

https://elearningindustry.com/pros-cons-using-virtual-reality-in-the-classroom

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that this technology can benefit students in their learning environment? Why or why not?

2. In the article, cite one advantage and one disadvantage of virtual reality in the classroom that you agree with. Explain why.

3. In your own personal opinion, do you think the advantages outweigh the drawbacks of Virtual Reality?

4. Would you like virtual reality to be applied in the classroom for your child or children? Or, would you rather have them be taught in a traditional way? Explain your answer.

App Targets Fake ‘Made in Italy’ Labels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever seen or bought products that looked genuine but they really aren’t? There’s an a mobile app that helps you spot fraudulent Italian products.

Read more about this app and how it works and what it can do.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-38743912

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this app? What other features would you add to it?
  2. Why might be reasons people purchase knockoffs?
  3. How prevalent is counterfeiting in your country? Talk about this problem in respect to the situation in your country.
  4. How does fraudulent labels affect the businesses/companies that manufacture the original ones?
  5. What are ways to possibly lessen the spread and sale of counterfeit products?

Are We Ready for E-Books?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is an increasing popularity of e-books, especially among youngsters. Some people think that printed books will be replaced by e-books, which are more convenient and affordable. However, some argued that nothing could ever replace the feeling of owning and the physical enjoyment that printed books can provide to its readers.

Let’s find out more about e-books.

http://www.english-online.at/media/ebooks/are-we-ready-for-ebooks.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-books?
  2. What do you like about printed book?
  3. Based on the article, why do major publishers think that reading books on screen is what most of the consumers need?
  4. What are some of the books that you have enjoyed reading?
  5. Do you also like to read articles from magazines or the newspaper?

Autonomous Vehicles

B1 – Intermediate

What will future cars look like? Can future vehicles prevent road accidents? Will it really be possible for a car to take us from point A to B without controlling it?  Let’s discuss the Autonomous or driver-less cars of the future and find out more about it.

Listen to the podcast carefully and study the featured vocabulary words.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-170105

Discussion Questions:

  1. Will self-driving cars be safer than human-controlled ones? Explain.
  2. Do you think that robot cars can handle life-or-death situations/decisions? Explain.
  3. Would you buy an autonomous car for yourself? Why or why not?
  4. What problems do you see with autonomous vehicles?

Japan Set For Invisible Trains

B1 – Intermediate

Japan is known for its technological advances. In 2018, the country will be launching its first invisible train.

Read the article below to know how this transport could be invisible. Be ready to practice your speaking skills by talking about transport systems.

A Japanese architect has designed a train that is not only fast but blends into the landscape so well, that onlookers find it hard to see. Such invisible trains are expected to be introduced to the Tokyo area in 2018.

Kazuyo Sejima, the Japanese architect who has designed the new high-speed train,  is known for creating glass buildings that blend into their environment. This is the first time, however, that she has designed something that is actually moving.

The invisible trains will be made out of reflective material that has been used on other objects in the past, for example, the Louvre-Lens museum in France.

Seijima has created the train for Seibu railway company’s 100th anniversary. The company, famous for their colourful high-speed bullet trains,  already operate 180 km of railway lines around Tokyo. The new invisible trains will be travelling on a limited number of routes in Japan.

Not only the outside of the trains will be new. Seijima has created the interior with bigger windows and more seat space. According to the train company, passengers will have the experience of a train ride in a moving living room.

Words

  • according to = as said by …
  • anniversary = birthday
  • blend = to mix together
  • design = plan and create
  • experience = feeling
  • however = but
  • interior = the inside
  • introduce = here: to start travelling
  • invisible = something that you cannot see
  • landscape = countryside
  • limited = only a certain number
  • onlookers = people who stand nearby and see the train
  • operate = here: trains that travel
  • passenger = here: person who travels in a train
  • reflective = something that sends back most of the light that shines on it
  • seat = where a person sits

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the train that Kazuyo Sejima designed? Why is it called an invisible train?
2. How would you describe the trains in your country?
3. Have you taken the different trains in Europe? Have you visited other European countries using trains?
4. Would you say that public transportation in your country is very effective? What else could it improve on?

The Next Generation of Roads That Talk to Cars

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The safety of travellers and drivers on the road have always been a priority. From building better road infrastructure to using technology to ensure a driver’s safety.

Watch the video below to know more of how advanced technology is upping its game when it comes to road safety. Be ready to express your thoughts about it.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do smart-roads work? How can roads communicate with cars?
2. According to the video, what are the benefits of self-driving cars?
3. Which states in the US are already working on smart-roads?
4. What are your thoughts on self-driving cars?
5. Do you think smart-roads will work in your country?

Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been preoccupying people from all different walks of life. Whether you’re a scientist, an engineer or a mother of two, questions will always be asked. Is it good? Or does it bring more harm?

Click the link below to read the article about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence-mike-fekety

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about all the things you know about AI.
  2. Talk about its pros and cons.
  3. In your opinion, what are some of the most worrisome threats associated with AI at the moment? How can we deal with them?
  4. How prevalent is AI used in your country these days? How about at your job? And in your community?
  5. How can AI help address some of the world’s most pressing problems?

Zuckerberg Presents AI Assistant Jarvis

C1 – Advanced

Mark Zuckerberg, creator and CEO of social media giant Facebook, has been working on developing his very own AI (Artificial Intelligence) assistant for a year now.

Watch the video and read the article as he introduces ‘Jarvis’ to the world.

Zuckerberg Presents AI Assistant Jarvis

Discuss:

1. Talk about Jarvis.
2. Do you feel comfortable talking to your mobile phone? If yes, what do you usually ask your AI assistant to do? If not, kindly explain the reason why.
3. What other functions would you like AI assistants to be able to carry out?
4. What other ultra advanced technology would you like to be able to see and use in your lifetime.

Amazon Opens Convenience Store with a Twist

B2 – Upper intermediate

Amazon is opening a physical store in Seattle where purchases are automatically completed using a phone app. There will be no cashiers, no checkout lines. Just grab what you want, scan it, and walk out.

Read the article below to know more about Amazon Go – the convenience store with a twist.

http://www.voanews.com/a/mht-amazon-opens-physical-convenience-store-with-a-twist/3623667.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would you be concerned with this kind of service getting hacked or is there no difference than buying online?
  2. If this works do you think more stores will do this since they wouldn’t need to hire so many employees and could save money lowering the price of items?
  3. Would you rather shop in a store where you could just walk in, grab what you want and walk right out instead of waiting in a line or would you be willing to keep things the way they are so people could keep their jobs?