5 Week 5: Artificial Intelligence
Week 5: Artificial Intelligence
Welcome to Week 5, where we dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is a big part of our future—and in many ways, it’s already shaping our present. This week, we’ll explore what AI is, how it works, and why it’s important for our society.
You’ll get to expand your vocabulary with terms specific to AI and technology. We’ll also practice the future tense, helping us talk about what AI might bring to our lives. Through various activities, you’ll learn about AI’s role in everyday activities and consider its future implications.
Activities and Resources
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – An engaging overview of AI, its definitions, and applications.
- AI Innovations and Future – Read about the latest in AI and discuss its future potential.
- Reading: The Superpower in your Pocket – Discover how AI technologies are embedded in our daily routines.
- Listening: Meet Aura & Other Innovations in AI – Listen for main ideas and details in AI technology.
- Discussion: The Future of AI – Use vocabulary and future tenses to discuss AI advances.
- Writing: Your View on AI’s Future – Write an opinion piece about how you see AI shaping the future.
- Group Presentation Project – Collaborate on a Google Slides presentation to discuss AI’s impact, using the vocabulary and concepts learned.
5.0 Present on Digital Literacy
Share the slides that you have developed over the past 4 weeks.
5.1 Exploring Artificial Intelligence: A Beginner’s Guide
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, sounds like something from science fiction, but it’s very much a part of our world today. From smart assistants in our homes to systems that help doctors diagnose diseases, AI is everywhere. This week, we’re going to learn all about it—what it is, how we use it, and how it might change our future.
Understanding AI starts with knowing the terms and concepts that describe it. We’ll learn words like “machine learning,” “neural networks,” and “algorithm.” These words will help us talk about the capabilities and limits of AI.
But AI isn’t just about technology; it’s about potential. What could AI do for us tomorrow? We’ll use the future tense to imagine and discuss the possibilities: Will AI drive our cars? Will it help us solve big problems like climate change?
We’ll also read about AI’s role in everyday life, seeing how it’s not just a future idea but something that affects us right now. And we’ll think about the big picture, writing our opinions on what AI’s growth means for humanity.
Finally, we’ll put our thoughts and knowledge together in a group presentation. Using Google Slides, we’ll share what we’ve learned about AI, its impact, and our views on its future. This project will be a chance to use new vocabulary and express our ideas with clarity and confidence.
5.2 Vocabulary | The Future is Now: Exploring AI and Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines (acting like a human brain). These machines are programmed to think, learn, and solve problems like humans. One exciting area within AI is machine learning, which allows computers to learn from data (numbers). Instead of following instructions given by their creators, machines use programs to identify patterns and make decisions from the patterns. For example, when you use a streaming service like Netflix, machine learning helps recommend shows and movies based on your viewing history.
Smart Devices and Big Data
Smart devices are electronic gadgets that can connect, share, and interact with their users and other smart devices. Examples include smartphones, smartwatches, and smart speakers like Amazon Echo. These devices often rely on big data – extremely large datasets that can be analyzed to reveal trends and patterns. Companies use big data to improve products, understand customer behavior, and make business decisions.
Voice Assistants and Robots
Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use AI to understand and respond to voice commands. They can perform tasks such as setting reminders, playing music, and providing weather updates. Meanwhile, robots are machines capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. Robots are increasingly used in manufacturing, healthcare, and even homes to perform tasks that are repetitive or dangerous for humans.
Automation and Virtual Reality (VR)
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks without any human involvement. It becomes more efficient and reduces errors from the automotive to the agriculture industry. In entertainment and education, Virtual Reality (VR) is making waves too. VR creates a completely immersive digital environment where users can interact as if they are actually there. These technologies are used for gaming, training simulations, and interactive learning experiences.
Blockchain and Cloud Storage
Blockchain is a secure way to record money exchanged across multiple computers. It’s best known as the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it also has applications in areas like supply chain management and secure voting systems. Cloud storage allows users to save files and data on the internet, rather than on a local computer. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox are popular examples, providing flexible storage for internet data.
Smart Home and Cybersecurity
The smart home idea involves using devices that connect to the internet to manage and control home functions such as lighting, heating, and security systems. Examples include smart thermostats to heat or cool the house and smart locks to lock or unlock the doors when you are away. With the increasing connectivity of devices, cybersecurity has become much more important. It means protecting systems and data from cyber attacks and ensuring privacy in our digital world.
Chatbots and Language Translation
Chatbots are AI programs that can create a conversation with users in natural language. They are used in customer service to provide instant responses and assistance for customers. Language translation services like Google Translate use AI to convert text or speech from one language to another, helping people communicate across different languages more easily.
Conclusion
The rapid advancements in AI and technology are transforming our world in completely new ways. By understanding these key concepts, we can better navigate and appreciate the innovations that are shaping our future. Whether it’s through more personalized services, smarter devices, or enhanced security, technology is opening up new possibilities and making our lives more connected and efficient.
Use the article “Vocabulary | The Future is Now: Exploring AI and Technology” to match the vocabulary words with their best definition.
Read the definition in each box below. Look through the vocabulary list to see which word fits the definition best. Then practice your pronunciation of the term. When you are ready, choose the “Push to Speak” button and say the vocabulary word that fits the definition.
Vocabulary List
- Voice Assistants
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Smart Devices
- Programs
- Blockchain
- Big Data
- Chatbots
- Language Translation
- Robots
- Automation
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Storage
- Smart Home
- Machine Learning
5.3 AI: The Superpower in Your Pocket (and Everywhere Else!) | Find the Main Ideas and Examples
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already here, and it’s not what you might expect from science fiction movies. It’s not about robots taking over the world (yet!), but rather about supercharging our everyday lives in invisible ways.
Imagine this: You wake up, grab your phone, and check the weather. An AI program like IBM’s Deep Thunder analyzes a huge amount of data – from weather stations and satellites about sunshine or rain – to predict your weather forecast. Scrolling through social media later, funny cat videos seem to magically appear in your feed. Believe it or not, AI algorithms like those powering TikTok‘s “For You” page are behind the scenes, figuring out what content will grab your attention based on your past likes and watch history.
The reach of AI goes far beyond social media feeds. In the medical field, it’s assisting doctors in analyzing medical images for diseases like cancer. Tools like Google’s DeepMind can analyze mammograms and X-rays with incredible detail, allowing for earlier diagnoses and better treatment plans. Ever used a language translation app to chat with someone overseas? Those rely on AI, like Google Translate, to understand and convert languages in real-time, breaking down communication challenges and keeping global connections.
But AI isn’t just about crunching data or translating languages. It’s getting creative! Do you stream music on Spotify and get recommendations for new artists you love? AI algorithms analyze your listening habits to suggest similar sounds that you would like. Some musicians are even using AI tools like Amper Music to help them create music, with unique and interesting sound worlds.
Even finding a job can involve AI! Some companies use AI programs like Amazon’s Rekognition to scan resumes, which are documents that show your work experience and skills. These programs look for keywords that match the job description, helping companies find applicants who might be a good fit. But remember, AI is a helper, not a boss. A great candidate might have unique experiences that a computer wouldn’t pick up on. So, while AI can save time in the hiring process, real people still make the final decisions!
The future of AI is wide open. Imagine AI helping with tasks like designing clothes (think Amazon’s StyleSnap!), writing news articles (like the Associated Press’ Automated Insights), or even creating personalized learning experiences in schools (like DreamBox Learning). The possibilities are endless!
After Reading
What is the main idea of the reading? Find one sentence in the reading that shows the main idea best.
List 3 examples that are used in this article.
5.4 Listening: Pros and Cons of AI & Meet Aura
Cloze Listening: Advantages & Disadvantages of AI
The video below lists the good and bad things of AI.
The first time you listen, write down new words and key ideas.
As you listen the second time, list of advantages (good things) and disadvantages (bad things) about AI. Complete the chart below.
After listening, can you think of any advantages or disadvantages that were not mentioned in the video?
Listening for Details
Read the questions below before you listen. Then, answer the questions.
- What is the name of the new humanoid robot working at the Sphere Las Vegas?
- What are some of the things that Aura, the humanoid robot, can do?
- What are some of the concerns people have about Aura?
- When can you see a show featuring Aura at the Sphere Las Vegas?
5.5 Discussion: The Future of AI
Review Future Tenses: Future tenses are used to talk about actions or events that have not yet occurred but will happen at a later time.
Simple Future
- Affirmative: will + base verb
- Negative: won’t + base verb
For spontaneous decisions or offers. To make predictions. To state future facts.
Examples:
- Affirmative: She will travel.
- Negative: He won’t attend.
- Question: Will you come?
Future Continuous/Progressive
- Affirmative: will be + verb-ing
- Negative: won’t be + verb-ing
- Question: Will + subject + be + verb-ing?
Actions in progress at a future time. Planned future events.
Examples:
- Affirmative: I will be flying.
- Negative: They won’t be attending.
- Question: Will she be studying?
Present Continuous/Progressive for futur actions
- Affirmative: am/is/are + verb-ing
- Negative: am/is/are + not + verb-ing
- Question: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?
Scheduled future events. Fixed plans. Certain plans.
Examples:
- Affirmative: I am meeting her tomorrow.
- Negative: They aren’t coming next week.
- Question: Are you joining us?
Imagine a world where AI helps in every aspect of life. Watch the video below to set the scene.
What do you think that world will look like in 20 years?
Are there any concerns you have about such a future?
Are there jobs that can be easily done by AI? What are they?
Can you think of jobs that AI would never be able to do?
Share your thoughts on the potential of AI to change our society.
Write one-paragraph of your opinion about how you see Artificial Intelligence (AI) shaping the future. This assignment aims to develop your writing skills, particularly in expressing opinions and supporting arguments.
Include examples of AI from the chapter and your life experience.
5.7 Project Presentation
Focus of This Week’s Project:
For your group project, you’ll create a Google document on the impact of AI. Consider how AI affects industries, daily life, and the global community. Use the insights gained from this week’s readings, discussions, and your personal viewpoints. Highlight specific examples of AI in action and speculate responsibly on its future development.
Instructions:
- Title: Begin with a compelling title that reflects the theme of your discussion, such as “The Impact of AI on Society.”
- Content:
- Positive Impacts: List 2-3 benefits of AI. Provide a brief description or example for each.
- Challenges: List 2-3 drawbacks or challenges of AI. Provide a brief description or example for each.
When you have finished, share your Google document into the text entry box or as a link.
Looking forward to seeing what you create together!
Conclusion
This week’s journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence offers just a glimpse into a rapidly evolving field that promises to revolutionize how we live, work, and interact. By understanding the basics of AI, discussing its potential, and reflecting on its implications, you’re taking an important step toward becoming an informed and thoughtful participant in this new digital age.
Remember, the future of AI is not just something that happens to us. We have a role in shaping it through our choices, ethics, and vision for a world where technology enhances humanity without compromising our values or well-being. Your project presentations are an opportunity to articulate your vision for that future.