“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 8: Technology and Innovation
Story 03: The Need for Caution in the Age of AI and Robotics
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Advancements
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics
- Sophisticated
- Risks
- Surpass
- Economic disruption
- Autonomous weapons
- Biases
- Predictive policingsibilities
Read or Listen to the following passage:
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have revolutionized various industries and transformed the way we live and work. However, as these technologies become increasingly sophisticated, there is a growing concern about the potential risks and dangers they may pose to humanity.
Here are five essential warnings related to AI and robotics:
- As AI and robotics become more advanced, there is a risk that they may surpass human intelligence and become a threat to our existence.
- The use of AI and robotics may lead to significant job loss and economic disruption, particularly in industries where automation is possible.
- The development and use of autonomous weapons and military robots may have severe consequences, including the loss of innocent lives.
- The algorithms used in AI systems may contain inherent biases, leading to discrimination and perpetuating social inequalities.
- The use of AI and robotics may lead to a loss of privacy and personal autonomy, particularly in areas such as surveillance and predictive policing.
In conclusion, while AI and robotics have the potential to revolutionize various industries, we must proceed with caution and consider the potential risks and dangers they may pose to humanity. We must work to develop ethical guidelines and standards for the development and use of these technologies, and we must ensure that they are used in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Comprehension Questions:
- What are some of the potential risks associated with the development and use of AI and robotics?
- What is the concern related to AI surpassing human intelligence, and why is it a potential threat?
- What impact may the use of AI and robotics have on the job market and economy?
- What are some of the potential consequences of the development and use of autonomous weapons and military robots?
- How might the algorithms used in AI systems perpetuate social inequalities and discrimination?
Conversations Starters:
- What are some of the potential dangers associated with the increasing sophistication of AI and robotics technology?
- In your opinion, how likely is it that AI and robotics technology will lead to significant job loss and economic disruption in the future?
- What are some of the ethical concerns related to the use of autonomous weapons and military robots?
- How do sci-fi movies portray the potential dangers of AI and robotics technology, and do you think these portrayals are accurate?
- Have you ever experienced any biases or discrimination related to the use of AI or robotics technology? If so, what was your experience?
- In your opinion, what role should governments play in regulating the development and use of AI and robotics technology?
- How do you see the use of AI and robotics technology evolving in the next decade, and what potential risks and benefits do you foresee?
- Do you think predictive policing is an effective way to prevent crime? Why or why not?
- Have you ever felt a sense of loss of control or privacy due to the use of AI and robotics technology in your personal life or workplace?
- How can we ensure that AI and robotics technology is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole, while minimizing potential risks and dangers? you take to protect your personal information and ensure your online privacy?
