Tag: technology

The 5G Revolution

B2 – Upper Intermediate

With the recent changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, internet connectivity has become almost always necessary in both business and our day-to-day lives.

High speed connection is what most people need especially for work and studies. The new 5G technology promises a much more stable connection and ultra-reliable low latency communication.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the 5G technology.

Business English News 45 – The 5G Revolution

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is 5G technology? How is it better than the current 4G technology we are using?
  2. What are your thoughts on the controversies surrounding the 5G technology?
  3. Do you think 5G will make wi-fi obsolete? Why or why not?
  4. What are the benefits of 5G in the business setting?
  5. Are you satisfied with your current network connectivity? If not, how do you make it work?
  6. What other improvements do you want to see in internet connectivity?

The Everything App

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital world, everything seems to be one click away. There are different mobile apps that can deliver just about any service or product the consumers want. In China, WeChat started as a messaging app and then turned into a one-stop shop. This is what business magnate Elon Musk aspires Twitter to become.

Let’s read the article and know more about the X app.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/elon-musk-suggests-plan-to-create-an-everything-app-/6779792.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Elon Musk’s X, the everything app?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such apps?
  3. How do you feel about using just one app for all your online activities and transactions?
  4. Do you find it burdensome to download different apps for different purposes? If yes, how do you manage it?
  5. Are there mobile apps that have multiple functions? State some.

VR Treat Fears and Phobias

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Virtual reality (VR) is a way for you to escape reality by putting on a headset. Ever since the invention of this device, it has been used in several ways.

One of the most recent ways it is being utilized is helping people treat their phobias and addressing serious issues such as domestic violence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript to find out how VRs help treat fears and phobias.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220512

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of using VRs to overcome fears and phobias?
  2. If you had a phobia, would you consider using VR to try and solve your problem?
  3. Cite other uses of VRs.
  4. Discuss your opinion about the VR simulation project of virtual embodiment in a Barcelona prison.
  5. Talk about a time when ‘dropping your defenses’ helped you in a situation.

Apple AirTag a Gift to Stalkers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple Airtag is a very small device that was developed in order to help us find things that we commonly misplace. It was never meant to be a gadget for unwanted tracking of people.

Read the article about how some abusers are using Airtag to stalk their victims. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/sep/05/i-didnt-want-it-anywhere-near-me-how-the-apple-airtag-became-a-gift-to-stalkers

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Apple Airtag? Are you interested to have one?
  2. What is your opinion on it being used maliciously?
  3. What can Apple do in order to address this problem with their product?
  4. How do you make sure your privacy is protected despite all of your online activities?
  5. What other gadgets do you think are dangerous and why?

The Currency of Clout

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the internet becomes more prevalent and its technology more and more developed, clout on the internet is also becoming more important than ever.

But what is clout? Clout is a measurement of how much influence or power someone has.

However due to recent circumstances, clout on the internet has become synonymous to bad people; although, it still has some good uses.

Watch this video as David Castain talks about the currency of clout.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on how far some people are willing to go just so they could establish their reputation online?
  2. How can clout on the internet influence different sectors?
  3. Name some instances when your digital footprints can help to your advantage?
  4. Talk about some “clout chasers” you know of?
  5. Also name some “clout makers” and what they have done.
  6. How do you portray yourself on social media and/or LinkedIn?

Conjoined Twins Separated with the Help of Virtual Reality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Surgeries are already complex as they are. Medical advances keep getting more and more developed to help patients get the best treatment possible.

Though it may sound a lot like a scene from a sci-fi film, medicine and technology have gone hand-in-hand in successfully providing the most effective and efficient procedures to treat patients, even those with the most complex of conditions.

Read the article about the Brazilian conjoined twins who have been separated all thanks to virtual reality.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-62378452

Discussion Questions:

  1. Surgeon Noor ul Owase Jeelani described the procedure as “space-age stuff”. Do you agree/disagree with him and why?
  2. What are your thoughts on this surgery?
  3. How would you feel going through medical procedures using technologies like the VR?
  4. Where else can VR be useful?
  5. Describe the most complex medical procedure you’ve ever gone through.

Find Fresh Air on Google Maps

B1 – Intermediate

Google Maps is a mapping platform with detailed geographical information. This is just the primary function of this platform but there actually more and Google Maps is continuously upgrading and adding new and better features.

Read the article about Google Maps’ new features.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2206/220613-google-maps-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the new Google Maps features and what do you think about them? 
  2. Do you think the new features are going to be useful for you? Why or why not?
  3. How much and what do you use Google Maps for? What do you like and dislike about this platform?
  4. What other features do you want Google Maps to have?
  5. Do you use mapping or GPS platforms/apps a lot? Why or why not?

Smart Chopsticks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most people prefer flavorful dishes. In order for dishes to be savoury, we tend to add more seasonings or condiments. Most condiments are high in sodium such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and ketchup. High sodium consumption poses health risks.

Let’s watch this video and know more about this instrument that can make food taste more flavorful with no health worries.

https://news.yahoo.com/smart-chopsticks-enhance-taste-food-061753583.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on this Japanese invention?
  2. How do the smart chopsticks work?
  3. Do you like using chopsticks? Would you care to buy this?
  4. Do you know the health risks associated with high sodium consumption? What are they?
  5. Do you like salty food? If yes, how do you minimize your sodium intake?

South Korea Bans Child Monitoring App

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our lives are now very much dependent on smartphones. They have become a need. They enable us to multitask.

Coupled with the power of the Internet, kids and teens are able to explore the world and do more using these. As children start to own smartphones at an earlier age, parents are getting more wary of the risks involved.

In South Korea, the government has passed a law to help ensure the safety of children and teens’ smartphone use through an app. However, problems arose along the way.

Read the article to learn more about the banning of the use of a mobile phone app that monitors social media activities of parents’ children in South Korea.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/south-korea-bans-child-monitoring-app.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with the South Korean government’s prohibiting this app? Explain your position.
  2. Is this monitoring software a good idea? Please explain.
  3. What are some famous apps that promise the same concept?
  4. How effective are these apps?
  5. Are you concerned about your online presence? Why or why not?
  6. What are other effective means to monitor the online activities of our children?
  7. What is your opinion on children owning smartphones?
  8. Has your government also approved and banned certain apps in your country? Why did they do so?

Ways Company’s Data Can Jump-Start Climate Action

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is no denying that the effects of climate change are starting to be felt. Countries are coming together to think of solutions for our future, but private entities can also do something about our planet’s dire situation. One way is the harnessing of digital technology through data sharing.

Data sharing can be tricky; companies and individuals are hesitant to share data. But if innovations could be put in place to make this doable and sustainable, it would yield results that are beneficial for the future of our planet.

Check out this video on how companies can use data-sharing to help with climate change.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some brilliant applications of digital technology?
  2. Where else can digital technology and data sharing be applied?
  3. What are the other benefits and some risks of data sharing?
  4. What are your country’s government and private entities doing to combat climate change?
  5. How does your company maximize the use of digital technology?
  6. Does your company have sustainability programs in place to help with climate change? If yes, what are they?
  7. How has digital technology and data sharing helped you as an individual? Have you utilized it to support a cause or advocacy?