Tag: technology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Advances in artificial intelligence are revolutionizing autonomous drone navigation. New algorithms and machine learning techniques are enhancing drones’ ability to navigate complex environments.

Read the article to know why this is more efficient and reliable for tasks ranging from delivery services to environmental monitoring​.

https://scitechdaily.com/ai-unleashed-revolutionizing-autonomous-drone-navigation/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “light detection and ranging or lidar” mean? “In recent years, advancements in visual sensor technology like light detection and ranging, or lidar, and thermal imaging have allowed drones to perform limited advanced-level tasks such as object detection and visual recognition.” Use it in a sentence.
2. Define “deep learning” and “machine learning”. “When combined with the team’s algorithms — powered by deep learning and machine learning, a subset of AI — drones could assist in developing 3D or 4D advanced imagery for mapping and monitoring applications.” Use these terms in sentences.
3. What does “line of sight” mean? “Currently, someone must manually fly a drone and have a high level of situational awareness to keep it clear of obstacles in its surroundings, like buildings, trees, mountains, bridges, signs or other prominent structures, while staying within the drone pilot’s line of sight.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What new techniques are being used to enhance the navigation capabilities of autonomous drones?
2. How might these advancements in AI improve the efficiency of drone delivery services?
3. In what ways could environmental monitoring benefit from improved autonomous drone navigation?
4. What challenges do autonomous drones face in navigating complex environments, and how are these being addressed by recent AI developments?

B2 – Upper  Intermediate 

Australia’s flag carrier Qantas Airways got into hot water for apparent breach in their passengers’ data privacy wherein some of the app’s users saw boarding passes and flight details of other passengers. Some information included their names, scheduled flights, and frequent flyer details.

The airline denied cyber security issues and said they were able to fix the problem in just a few hours after the glitch was detected.

Read the article about Qantas’ privacy breach on its passenger app. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68925710

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “privacy breach” mean? “Australian airline Qantas says it is investigating a privacy breach on its app that left customers with access to others’ personal details.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. Define “glitch”. “Users on X, formerly Twitter, shared screenshots of the glitch and alleged phishing attempts.” Use this word in a sentence.
3. What does ”pose” mean in this context, ”Some appeared to show accounts posing as Qantas customer care agents asking for people’s personal information in order to assist them.” Use this word in this context in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. As an airline passenger, what did you think of this news?
2. If you happen to come across other people’s personal info and flight details on an airline app, what do you think you would do?
3. Qantas was quick to dismiss cybersecurity problems related to this incident. What do you think of this?
4. Share your thoughts on how Qantas handled this incident.
5. Have you ever had any issues on any apps? Share about that experience.
6. Share about similar privacy breach incidents you’ve heard of.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent. While AI offers numerous benefits and advancements in various industries, concerns about its potential dangers and risks have also emerged. The world’s first protection against AI is a crucial development in safeguarding against potential threats posed by this powerful technology.

By implementing robust security measures and regulations, we can mitigate the risks associated with AI.  Furthermore, it underscores the importance of ethical considerations and responsible use of AI to ensure that it remains a force for good in society. As we continue to harness the power of AI for innovation and progress, it is imperative that we prioritize safety and security to protect ourselves from potential harm.

Read the article to find out what the national leaders are worried about with artificial intelligence and what they are doing about it.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13224653/protection-against-AI-approved-nations.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the adjective “non-binding” mean? “The resolution – proposed by the US – is non-binding but was agreed upon by all 193 UN member nations and co-sponsored by non-members from 123 countries, including China and Russia.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “undercut” mean? “The improper or malicious design, development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems … pose risks that could … undercut the protection, promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms,’ the resolution stated.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘undercut’ in your own sentence.
3. What does the idiom “to sail in choppy waters” mean? “We’re sailing in choppy waters with the fast-changing technology, which means that it’s more important than ever to steer by the light of our values.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What concerns do national leaders have about artificial intelligence?
2. Do you believe that the government can regulate the development of AI technology? Explain your response.
3. In your opinion, what measures can the government take to control of artificial intelligence?
4. How much do you understand/know about artificial intelligence (AI)?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cyberattacks have become a prevalent threat in today’s digital age. These malicious acts target individuals, organizations, and even governments, causing significant damage and disruption. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in technology systems.

One of the most concerning aspects of cyber attacks is the potential for widespread impact. A single attack can compromise sensitive information, disrupt critical infrastructure, and lead to financial losses.

Check out the article to find out how a cyberattack affects a hospital.

https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hospitals/cyberattack-hits-major-hospital-in-spanish-city-of-barcelona/98476266

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “cripple” mean?  “A ransomware cyberattack on one of Barcelona’s main hospitals has crippled the centre’s computer system and forced the cancellation of 150 non-urgent operations and up to 3,000 patient checkups.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘cripple’ in your own sentence.
2. What is the meaning of “contingency plan”?  “He said the hospital’s contingency plan would allow them to function for several days, but he hoped the system would be fixed sooner.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘contingency plan’ in your own sentence.
3. What does “to cut off access” mean? “Spanish state news agency EFE said the attack cut off access to patients records.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to cut off access’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your reaction/thoughts on this news?
2. Have you heard any news regarding cyberattacks, or has your company ever been a victim of one? Tell me the story.
3. What do you think could be stolen from you by a cybercriminal?
4. How important is cybersecurity? Do you believe that you are secured online? Share.
5. What question would you like to ask a hacker?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Severe weather events have been occurring everywhere in the world. The majority may claim that it is due to the impending climate change.

Generally speaking, the forecast isn’t very accurate. Since artificial intelligence has made significant progress, perhaps the future of weather forecasting will be more apparent.

To learn more about AI helping us to predict extreme weather watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of “at a time“? “The AI revolution has reached meteorology, and it’s at a time when we are responding to extreme weather more than ever.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘at a time’ in your own sentence.
2. What does the word “tweak” mean? “They tweak the initial data and produce up to 50 forecasts.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘tweak’ in your own sentence.
3. Do you know what “to keep an eye” means? “We got to kind of keep an eye to the sky.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to keep an eye’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think AI would make a significant contribution to weather forecasting? Explain.
2. Are you checking the weather forecast every day? Why do you do so?
3. In what ways will AI impact weather forecasting significantly?
4. Will we be more able to withstand harsh weather events as a result of this meteorological revolution? Justify your stance.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Unfortunately, in the digital age, where technology pervades every aspect of our lives, scams and frauds have grown in sophistication.

The IRS tax refund scam is one such dangerous scheme that exploits taxpayers’ vulnerabilities. As tax season approaches, people must remain vigilant in distinguishing between reliable correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and savvy scammers attempting to steal sensitive information.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is crucial to be aware of certain red flags. Visit the link for additional information.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tax-refund-scam-irs_l_65bbe017e4b05c8779f84c11

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “underway” mean in the sentence, “Tax season is underway, and unfortunately, so are the scams.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘underway’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “stakeholder liason” mean, “If you your tax data may have been compromised because you got fooled, you can report client data theft to your local stakeholder liaison.”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “red flag” mean in the sentence, “The biggest red flag of a suspicious IRS scam is in how the message got delivered to you.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘red flag’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the biggest red flag mentioned in the article that indicates a suspicious IRS scam?
2. What are your thoughts on many organizations or government offices like the IRS communicating via nontraditional ways such as email, text, or social media?
3. Have you ever encountered a tax refund scam, or do you know someone who has fallen victim to such fraudulent schemes? Please share.
4. What precautions can one take to verify the legitimacy of communications claiming to be from the tax ministry during tax season?
5. The article suggests creating an online account with the IRS for up-to-date information on taxes. Do you currently have such an account, and how do you feel about using online platforms for tax-related matters? Tell me more.
6. Do you think the use of technology and social media has made people more susceptible to falling for IRS scams? Why or why not?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Social media’s growing impact on video is marked by the dominance of short-form content, live engagement, user-generated creativity, and influencer influence, shaping a dynamic landscape with monetization opportunities and challenges in content moderation.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “hard-hitting” mean, “It has to be short, shorter the better and hard-hitting,” says Hawley, stressing that the video also needs to be “easily shareable”.? Use adjective in your own sentence.
2. What does the word “gateway” mean, “What you may not have noticed is the way that the increasing popularity of social networks as a gateway to the wider web has changed online video and the way we consume it.“? Use this word in your own sentence.
3. What does “rule of thumb” mean,  So I think the rule of thumb now is-be as long as you need to be but don’t be any longer.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How has social media changed the way people consume video content in recent years?
2. How do you think the rise of social video has influenced traditional online video platforms like YouTube?
3. What challenges and opportunities do brands face in utilizing new platforms like Tiktok and Instagram Video for creative campaigns?
4. In your opinion, what makes a social media video campaign successful? Can you provide examples of effective campaigns?
5. In what ways has social media democratized content creation and video sharing?