Warm-up
Answer a few quick questions before today's lesson about robots in the classroom.
Listening
You are going to hear someone giving their opinion about whether robots and AI can replace teachers. Decide whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE according to what the speaker says.
Robo-Teachers — Listening: True or False
Read all the statements carefully before the recording begins. You will hear the recording twice.
Reading
Robo-Teachers — Reading
Read the article carefully, then answer the five questions. For each question, choose the best answer — A, B, C, or D.
Read the article, then answer the questions on the right.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a robot for a teacher?
Having a robot for a teacher can have both advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore them!
One advantage of having a robot teacher is that they can teach us new things about technology. Robots are programmed to know much about electronics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. They can help us learn important skills for the future job market. For example, they can teach us how to programme robots and use technology at a young age. This can prepare us for careers in STEM fields like computer programming and software engineering. Plus, robots can teach us in remote locations, so we can still access education even if we live far away.
However, there are also some disadvantages to having a robot teacher. One disadvantage is that robots may not be able to connect with us emotionally as a human teacher can. They might not understand our feelings or be able to show empathy. Another disadvantage is that robots have limitations in their teaching abilities. They might not be able to recognise our voices or emotions accurately. Plus, if all our education is based on computer programmes, we might miss out on the personal touch and creativity that human teachers bring to the classroom.
In conclusion, having a robot for a teacher has its advantages and disadvantages. While robots can teach us important skills and provide education in remote areas, they may not be able to connect with us emotionally as human teachers can. It's important to consider both the benefits and limitations of having a robot teacher in our education system.
Vocabulary Practice
Three exercises using 12 key words from the article and the listening.
Robo-Teachers — Vocabulary Practice
Work through all three parts. All 12 words come from the article and the listening script.
Teacher Guide
Practise with
- artificial intelligencenoun
the ability of computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
- crucialadjective
Extremely important; having a major effect on a result.
- empathynoun
the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person
- equipverb
to provide with tools or skills needed
- limitationsnoun
things that a person or system is unable to do; restrictions on what is possible
- mentornoun
an experienced person who gives advice and support to help someone develop skills and knowledge
- performancenoun
The way an actor, singer, or musician performs in a particular work.
- programmenoun
a planned series of activities
- remoteadjective
far away from cities or other populated areas; distant or isolated
- software engineeringnoun
the branch of computing concerned with designing, creating, and maintaining software
- stemverb
to stop or prevent something from growing or developing further