Microsoft is working on special computer helpers called AI assistants. These helpers will remember things like our chats and projects. They will be like smart friends who help us every day. Some people worry about privacy and if these helpers will always give the right answers. But others think these helpers need to know a lot to be really useful.
Microsoft's AI boss, Mustafa, says people are getting used to devices that listen all the time, like phones and TVs. He thinks it's important for people to feel safe and trust these devices. Microsoft is teaming up with a company called OpenAI to make these helpers even better. Not everyone uses AI helpers every day, but they are becoming more popular. Microsoft is adding new features to make their AI helpers even more helpful and safe.
Original news source: Microsoft: 'ever present' AI assistants are coming (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper and put them in a bag. One student from each team will come to the front of the class and pick a word from the bag. They will have one minute to draw the word while their team tries to guess. No talking allowed.
– Headline Creation
Instructions: In pairs, students will create a catchy headline for an article about Microsoft's AI assistants. Encourage them to use key vocabulary from the article in their headlines. Each pair will then share their headline with the class.
– Charades
Instructions: Write down actions related to the article on separate pieces of paper (e.g., typing on a keyboard, talking to a computer). One student will pick a paper and act out the action without speaking, while the rest of the class tries to guess what it is. This will help reinforce the vocabulary from the article.
– Word Association
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on the board. Start with one word and have students say the first word that comes to mind related to that word. For example, if the word is "assistant," students might say "help." Go through several rounds to help students make connections between words.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into groups and ask them to discuss their opinions on AI assistants like the ones Microsoft is developing. Have each group choose a spokesperson to share their group's opinion with the class. This activity will encourage students to practice expressing their opinions in English.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Microsoft is working on special computer helpers called AI assistants.
Some people worry about privacy and if these helpers will always give the right answers.
Microsoft is working with a company called OpenAI to make the helpers better.
Mustafa thinks it's important for people to feel safe and trust these helpers.
Not all people use AI helpers every day, but they are becoming more popular.
Microsoft adds new features to make their AI helpers even more helpful and safe.
These helpers will remember things like our chats and projects, and they will be like smart friends who help us every day.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Microsoft is working on special computer helpers called AI assistants. These helpers will things like our chats and projects. They will be like smart who help us every day. Some people about privacy and if these helpers will always the right answers. But others think these helpers need to know a lot to be really useful. Microsoft's AI boss, Mustafa, says people are getting used to devices that listen all the time, like phones and TVs. He thinks it's for people to feel safe and these devices. Microsoft is teaming up with a company called OpenAI to make these helpers even better. Not everyone uses AI helpers every day, but they are becoming more popular. is adding new to make their AI helpers even more helpful and safe.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is a computer helper?
2. Do you like having a smart friend to help you every day?
3. How would you feel if a computer helper remembered everything you told it?
4. Do you think it's important for devices to keep our information private?
5. What do you think about AI helpers listening all the time?
6. Why do you think some people worry about AI helpers giving the right answers?
7. Do you trust AI helpers to keep your information safe?
8. How do you feel about AI helpers becoming more popular?
9. Why do you think Microsoft is working with OpenAI to make their helpers better?
10. What features do you think would make AI helpers more helpful?
11. Do you use AI helpers in your daily life?
12. Why or why not do you think AI helpers are a good idea?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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