Machines that think, called AI, are helping people exercise in new ways. A company made a special mirror that shows a video of a computer coach to help you work out. You tell the mirror about yourself, and it makes a workout just for you. The computer coach can give you tips as you exercise. Lots of people are using this kind of technology, and it could be very popular in the future. But some people think that a real person is better at giving the push you need to do well.
Some people like to exercise with a computer, but others want a real person to help them. A teacher named Esther thinks talking to people is important when you're trying to be healthy. She says that computers can't really understand how you feel. But Desiree, a fast runner who also works as a computer coach, thinks that even when you're alone, a computer can cheer you on.
Now, there are even places to exercise where computers are the coaches for a group. A gym in Texas has big screens with computer coaches for up to 14 people. They help everyone do their exercises right. There's also a real coach there to make sure everyone feels part of the group. A doctor named Lucy thinks computers can be good for helping you get better at exercising, but she also says you should be careful. She thinks you should talk to a real expert so you don't hurt yourself or do too much.
Original news source: Can artificial intelligence help you get fit? (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will read the article and then summarize the main points in their own words. They can take turns sharing their summaries with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Students will form pairs or small groups and discuss their opinions on exercising with a computer coach versus a real person. They will then create a poll with questions such as "Do you prefer exercising with a computer coach or a real person?" and "Why do you think some people prefer one over the other?" They will then survey their classmates and present the results to the class.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Students will work in pairs or small groups. One student will choose a vocabulary word from the article and draw a picture to represent it, while the other student(s) guess the word based on the drawing. They can take turns being the artist and guesser.
– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Students will individually read the article and then write a summary of it in 5-7 sentences. They will then pair up with a classmate and take turns sharing their summaries. Each student will have 1 minute to summarize their partner's summary. They will then switch partners and repeat the process.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Students will individually read the article and then think about the following question: "Do you think exercising with a computer coach or a real person is better? Why?" They will then pair up with a classmate and share their thoughts. Finally, they will share their opinions with the class in a group discussion.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It is when machines or computers are able to think and learn like humans.
The special mirror shows a video of a computer coach who can make a workout just for you. It gives you tips and helps you while you exercise.
Some people prefer to exercise with a real person because they think a real person can understand how they feel and give them the motivation they need.
Esther thinks that talking to people is important when you're trying to be healthy because computers can't really understand how you feel.
Desiree, who is a fast runner and also works as a computer coach, thinks that even when you're alone, a computer can cheer you on and help you exercise.
The gym in Texas has big screens with computer coaches for up to 14 people. They help everyone do their exercises right. There's also a real coach there to make sure everyone feels part of the group.
Dr. Lucy thinks that computers can be good for helping you get better at exercising, but she also thinks you should be careful. She thinks it's important to talk to a real expert so you don't hurt yourself or do too much.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Machines that think, called AI, are people exercise in new ways. A company made a special mirror that shows a video of a computer coach to help you work out. You tell the mirror about yourself, and it a just for you. The computer coach can give you tips as you exercise. Lots of people are using this kind of technology, and it could be very popular in the future. But some think that a person is better at giving the push you need to do well. Some people like to exercise with a computer, but others a real person to help them. A teacher named Esther thinks talking to people is important when you're trying to be healthy. She says that computers can't really understand how you feel. But Desiree, a fast runner who also works as a computer , that even when you're alone, a computer can cheer you on. Now, there are even places to exercise where computers are the coaches for a group. A gym in has big screens with computer coaches for up to 14 people. They help everyone do their exercises right. There's also a real coach there to make sure everyone feels of the group. A doctor named Lucy thinks computers can be good for helping you get at exercising, but she also says you should be careful. She thinks you should talk to a real expert so you don't yourself or do too much.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is AI and how does it help people exercise?
2. How would you feel if you had a computer coach to help you work out?
3. Do you think a real person or a computer is better at giving you motivation to do well? Why?
4. Do you like the idea of exercising with a computer? Why or why not?
5. How do you think computers can cheer you on when you're exercising alone?
6. What do you think about the idea of having computer coaches for a group of people at the gym?
7. How would you feel if you were exercising with a big screen showing a computer coach?
8. Do you think it's important to have a real coach at the gym, even if there are computer coaches? Why or why not?
9. What do you think about talking to a real expert before starting an exercise program?
10. How do you think a real expert can help you avoid getting hurt or doing too much?
11. Have you ever used any technology to help you exercise? How was your experience?
12. Do you prefer exercising alone or with other people? Why?
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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