Part 1 – Warm-up Discussion
10–12 minutes
Do you think technology has made our lives better or more complicated?
What ethical concerns do you have about AI and automation?
How much should companies know about us through data collection?
Do developers have a responsibility to consider the social impact of what they build?
Can you think of a technology that was meant to help but caused harm?
Part 2 – Target Language & Vocabulary
15–20 minutes
📖 Key Vocabulary
Learn these important words before using them in phrases:
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ethical implications | moral consequences or considerations | AI raises many ethical implications about privacy. |
| digital divide | gap between those with/without tech access | The digital divide affects educational opportunities. |
| double-edged sword | something with both good and bad effects | Social media is a double-edged sword for democracy. |
| automate | to make a process work automatically | Many jobs will be automated in the coming years. |
| regulate | to control through rules and laws | Governments are trying to regulate big tech companies. |
| accountability | responsibility for one's actions | There needs to be accountability for AI decisions. |
🎯 Practice Exercise: Drag & Drop Vocabulary
Complete the text below by dragging the vocabulary words to fill in the blanks. The text uses the context from this lesson's topic.
ethical implications
digital divide
double-edged sword
automate
regulate
accountability
We need to consider the of AI decision-making in hiring. Technology access creates a between privileged and underserved communities. Social media is a —it connects people but also spreads misinformation. Companies increasingly jobs, raising concerns about employment. Governments struggle to rapidly evolving technologies effectively. Tech companies must take for how their products impact society.
🔤 Key Phrases & Expressions
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| The ethical concern is... | The ethical concern is that AI could perpetuate biases present in training data. |
| On one hand... on the other hand... | On one hand, data collection improves services; on the other hand, it raises privacy concerns. |
| Technology has the potential to... | Technology has the potential to solve major problems but also create new risks. |
| We need to balance... with... | We need to balance innovation with responsibility and ethical considerations. |
| There's a debate about whether... | There's a debate about whether tech companies should be regulated more strictly. |
| Some argue that... | Some argue that AI will replace jobs, while others believe it will create new opportunities. |
| The unintended consequence of... is... | The unintended consequence of social media is increased polarization and misinformation. |
| As developers, we should... | As developers, we should consider how our work affects users and society at large. |
Homework Assignment
Complete after class
📝 Writing Task
Write a 250-300 word reflection on one ethical or social issue related to technology (AI bias, data privacy, automation, social media, etc.). Present both sides of the debate and share your own perspective.