On Thursday, Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton made history by using an artificial intelligence (AI) voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives. This cool technology allowed her to recreate her own voice from recordings she made before, which helped her communicate even though she has a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. This condition makes it really hard for her to speak. Wexton is likely the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice, making this a big moment in political history.
Wexton's health issues have made it tough for her to talk. Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare disease that affects how people move, balance, and speak. By using AI, Wexton found a way to get around some of these challenges, allowing her to keep participating in important discussions and fight for the people she represents. The AI program she used studied her past speeches and created a voice that sounds a lot like how she normally talks.
Wexton's use of AI in Congress is important for more than just her situation. It raises questions about how technology can help people with disabilities in politics. As AI gets better, it could help more people communicate and be part of the decision-making process. Wexton's innovative use of technology might encourage other lawmakers who face similar challenges to consider using AI in their work.
Finally, Wexton's speech highlights how important it is for politics to be accessible to everyone. Being able to communicate well is key for lawmakers to do their jobs and connect with the people they serve. By using AI, Wexton not only improves her own ability to participate but also shows the need for more inclusive practices in government. This could start bigger conversations about how technology can help people with disabilities in many different areas.
Original news source: Lawmaker uses AI voice clone to address Congress (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Each team takes turns acting out key concepts or terms from the article without speaking, while their teammates guess what it is. Encourage students to think of words like "artificial intelligence," "speech," "disability," and "Congress."
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a series of statements related to the article, such as "AI should be used more in politics" or "People with disabilities should have more representation." Have students walk around the room and ask each other their opinions on these statements, tallying the results for a class discussion.
– MIND MAP
Instructions: In groups, students create a mind map on a large piece of paper. They should write "AI in Politics" at the center and branch out with related ideas from the article, such as "disabilities," "communication," and "innovation." Each group presents their mind map to the class.
– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students work in pairs to come up with catchy headlines for the article. Encourage them to think creatively and use persuasive language. Afterward, each pair shares their headline with the class and explains their choice.
– TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Instructions: Students think of three statements about the article: two truths and one lie. They share these statements with a partner, who must guess which one is the lie. After they reveal the lie, they can discuss why they chose their statements.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Jennifer Wexton is a Congresswoman from Virginia who made history by using an artificial intelligence voice clone to speak in the House of Representatives.
Jennifer Wexton has progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition that affects her ability to speak.
Wexton used AI to recreate her own voice from past recordings, allowing her to speak in Congress despite her condition.
Wexton's use of AI is historic because she is likely the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice.
Progressive supranuclear palsy affects movement, balance, and speech, making it hard for individuals to communicate.
Wexton's use of AI might encourage other lawmakers facing similar difficulties to consider using technology to help them communicate and participate.
Wexton's speech shows that communication is essential for lawmakers to do their jobs and connect with their constituents, emphasizing the need for more accessible practices in government.
Wexton's use of technology could spark discussions about how AI and other technologies can assist people with disabilities in various fields, not just politics.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
On Thursday, Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer made by using an artificial intelligence (AI) clone to speak in the House of Representatives. This cool technology allowed her to recreate her own voice from recordings she made before, which her communicate even though she has a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. This condition makes it really hard for her to speak. Wexton is likely the first person to give a speech in Congress using an AI-generated voice, this a big moment in history. Wexton's issues have made it tough for her to talk. Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare disease that affects how people move, , and speak. By using AI, Wexton found a way to get around some of these challenges, allowing her to keep participating in important discussions and fight for the people she represents. The AI program she used studied her past speeches and created a voice that sounds a lot like how she normally . Wexton's use of AI in Congress is important for more than just her situation. It raises questions about how technology can help people with disabilities in politics. As AI gets , it could help more people communicate and be part of the decision-making . Wexton's innovative use of technology might encourage other lawmakers who face similar challenges to consider AI in their work. Finally, Wexton's speech highlights how important it is for politics to be accessible to everyone. Being able to well is key for lawmakers to do their jobs and connect with the they serve. By using AI, Wexton not only improves her own ability to participate but also shows the need for more practices in government. This could start conversations about how technology can help people with disabilities in many different areas.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is your opinion on using technology like AI to help people with disabilities?
2. How would you feel if you had to use a machine to speak for you?
3. Do you think it's important for politicians to be able to communicate effectively? Why or why not?
4. What is a challenge you think people with disabilities face in everyday life?
5. How do you think technology will change the way we communicate in the future?
6. Do you like the idea of using AI to recreate someoneβs voice? Why or why not?
7. What is a situation where you think technology has really helped someone?
8. How would you feel if you were in a position where you couldn't speak for yourself?
9. Do you think more politicians should use technology to help them communicate? Why?
10. What is your experience with technology that helps people with disabilities?
11. How do you think Wexton's use of AI might inspire others with similar challenges?
12. Do you think using AI in politics could change the way people view disabilities? Why or why not?
13. What is a way you think society can become more inclusive for people with disabilities?
14. How would you feel if you had to rely on technology for something as important as a speech?
15. Do you think everyone should have access to the same technology to help them communicate? Why?
Individual Activities
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