🎯 Goal: Get both talking about current tech trends
Teacher introduces a real trend: "AI is replacing junior developer tasks. GitHub Copilot writes code, ChatGPT debugs errors. What do you think about this?"
Brief discussion:
- What tech trend are you most curious/worried about?
- Have you personally experienced any of these changes?
- What's your gut reaction to this trend?
📖 Phrases for Discussing Trends & Debating
You'll need these to analyze and argue about tech trends:
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| I think this trend will... | "I think this trend will completely change how we work" |
| On one hand... on the other hand | "On one hand it's efficient, on the other hand jobs are lost" |
| I see both sides, but... | "I see both sides, but I believe AI won't replace creativity" |
| The real issue is | "The real issue is not the tech, but how we adapt to it" |
| It's hard to say, but... | "It's hard to say, but I think blockchain is overhyped" |
| In my opinion / From my perspective | "From my perspective, remote work is here to stay" |
Discuss this case conversationally. Both share opinions, ask questions, explore different angles.
Case 1: AI Code Generation
Situation: GitHub Copilot now writes 40% of code at some companies. Junior dev hiring has dropped 20% at certain firms.
Questions to explore together:
- Will junior developer jobs disappear?
- What skills become MORE important now?
- Is this good or bad for the industry overall?
- How should bootcamps/universities adapt?
Case 2: The Death of Passwords
Situation: Apple, Google, Microsoft pushing "passkeys" (biometric + device-based auth). They claim passwords will be obsolete by 2025.
Questions to explore together:
- Is passwordless authentication really more secure?
- What happens if you lose your device?
- Will this actually happen or is it hype?
- How would this change your daily work?
Case 3: The 4-Day Work Week in Tech
Situation: Some tech companies tested 4-day weeks. Productivity stayed same/increased. But not all companies are adopting it.
Questions to explore together:
- Why aren't more companies doing this?
- Does this work for all types of dev work?
- Would YOU be more productive with 4 days?
- What are the trade-offs?
Based on the case from Part 3, now debate specific aspects:
Format Option 1: Devil's Advocate (15 min)
Student: Argues one position (e.g., "AI will replace most junior devs")
Teacher: Argues the opposite ("AI will create NEW types of junior roles")
After 7-8 min, SWITCH positions and argue the other side!
Format Option 2: Exploring Multiple Angles (15 min)
Instead of debating, explore the case from different stakeholder perspectives:
- As a junior dev: How does this affect your career?
- As a tech lead: How do you manage this change?
- As a company: What's the business decision?
- For the industry: What are long-term consequences?
🎙️ Teacher's role during debate:
- "That's interesting, but what about [counter-argument]?"
- "Can you give me a specific example?"
- "I see your point, however..."
- "How would you respond to someone who says [opposite view]?"
🎯 Closing questions:
- Did your opinion change during the debate?
- What was the strongest argument you heard today?
- How would you actually prepare for this trend in your career?
- Which phrase from today helped you express your ideas best?
Choose a tech trend you care about and write a balanced analysis (200-250 words):
Structure:
- Trend description: What is it?
- Positive aspects: Benefits and opportunities
- Concerns: Risks and challenges
- Your prediction: Where is this heading?
- Your action: How will YOU respond to this trend?
Use at least 3 phrases from today's vocabulary!