Robot teachers

1. If you think of the jobs robots could never do, you would probably put doctors and teachers at the top of the list. It's easy to imagine robot cleaners and factory workers, but some jobs need human connection and creativity. But are we underestimating what robots can do? In some cases, they already perform better than doctors at diagnosing illness. Also, some patients might feel more comfortable sharing personal information with a machine than a person. Could there be a place for robots in education after all?

2. British education expert Anthony Seldon thinks so. And he even has a date for the robot takeover of the classroom: 2027. He predicts robots will do the main job of transferring information and teachers will be like assistants. Intelligent robots will read students' faces, movements and maybe even brain signals. Then they will adapt the information to each student. It's not a popular opinion and it's unlikely that robots will ever have empathy and the ability to really connect with humans like another human can.

3. One thing is certain, though. A robot teacher is better than no teacher at all. In some parts of the world, there aren't enough teachers and 9 - 16 percent of children under the age of 14 don't go to school. That problem could be partly solved by robots because they can teach anywhere and won't get stressed, or tired, or move somewhere for an easier, higher-paid job.

4. Those negative aspects of teaching are something everyone agrees on. Teachers all over the world are leaving because it is a difficult job and they feel overworked. Perhaps the question is not “Will robots replace teachers?” but “How can robots help teachers?” Office workers can use software to do things like organise and answer emails, arrange meetings and update calendars. Teachers waste a lot of time doing non-teaching work, including more than 11 hours a week marking homework. If robots could cut the time teachers spend marking homework and writing reports, teachers would have more time and energy for the parts of the job humans do best.

(Adapted from https://learnenglish.brtishcoucil.org/)

1. With the rise of smartphones and wireless internet, children today have easier access to the internet, which has led to an increase in internet addiction. This problem is especially common among children in rural areas, who tend to spend more time on mobile games and livestreaming compared to children in cities.

2. In cities, parents usually live with their children, allowing them to supervise and guide their kids more easily. Cities also offer a variety of cultural and entertainment facilities, such as parks, libraries, and amusement parks. These places give children many ways to spend their time, even if they are not enrolled in special classes. However, children in rural areas often face different challenges. Many of them live without their parents, who work in other cities, and they lack access to cultural and recreational activities outside of their homes and schools.

3. Many rural children, especially those of migrant workers, live with their grandparents. While grandparents care for their grandchildren's basic needs, they often do not understand their interests or emotional needs. In addition, grandparents may not recognize the dangers of smartphones, leading migrant parents to give their children smartphones to keep them occupied, which can cause addiction.

4. Preventing internet addiction is difficult without proper parental supervision. Many anti-addiction systems in mobile games are not very effective, as children can use an adult's identity to bypass them. For migrant parents, controlling their children's screen time is particularly challenging.

5. To solve this problem, it is important to develop local industries in rural areas. This would allow parents to find jobs closer to home, helping them balance work and raising their children. Improving rural industries is crucial for both children's well-being and their future success.

Preserving Africa's Cultural Heritage

1. Cultural preservation in Africa focuses on protecting both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations. This includes conserving artefacts, traditions, languages, and practices of cultural significance. The African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) recognizes 3D printing as a key tool in this effort. This cutting-edge technology offers a precise and non-invasive way to replicate and restore artefacts, buildings, and landmarks that are damaged or lost. By adding materials layer by layer, 3D printing allows detailed restoration and replication.

2. APET highlights how 3D printing is transforming cultural preservation. For example, the Iziko Museums in Cape Town use it to replicate San rock art, protecting the originals from damage. In Egypt, researchers use the technology to restore ancient hieroglyphs on temples. At Great Zimbabwe, 3D-printed bricks are being used for restoration where traditional materials are unavailable. These examples demonstrate the value of 3D printing in addressing restoration challenges.

3. Additionally, 3D printing makes cultural heritage more accessible by allowing museums to create replicas for travelling exhibits, bringing historical treasures to distant communities. Schools and universities use 3D-printed artefacts for hands-on learning, helping students connect with their history. Digital 3D scanning creates detailed models stored online, enabling global access and collaboration.

4. APET suggests that national 3D cultural preservation programmes can document heritage sites and train local communities in 3D technology. This approach not only protects heritage but also creates jobs and empowers communities. Open-access policies further encourage education and innovation using 3D models. Investing in 3D printing infrastructure for tourism and restoration can boost local economies. Integrating 3D printing into creative industries ensures Africa's heritage is protected while supporting economic growth.