Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. equipped (adj.) [ih-kwipt] – to be provided
or built with whatever is necessary for a certain activity or function
Example: The computers are equipped with a defense system against
virus.
2. pace (n.) [peys] – the speed of a
movement or progress of something
Example: The man walked at a
slow pace that is why he missed the
bus.
3. curriculum (n.) [kuh-rik-yuh-luhm] – the group of
subjects given to a school or a university; a course of study.
Example: Our school offers a
complete curriculum that equips
students with various business skills.
4. revolutionize (v.) [rev-uh-loo-shuh-nahyz] – to cause a
major change in a specific field
Example: Science revolutionized health care.
Article
Read
the text below.
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, thinks computers
can solve problems in US public education.
Wozniak says advanced versions of computers equipped with basic human skills
—movement, eyesight, and hearing— can enable computers to teach like human
teachers.
Although human teachers would not be replaced anytime soon, he
believes that the ability of computers to teach students one-on-one can help
facilitate learning depending on the student’s own pace.
Public education in the US may have to cut budgets which can
affect class size, curriculum and teachers’ salary. As a result, students
are taught the same lesson at the same pace.
Wozniak, who had experienced teaching in elementary for eight
years, believes that the educational system needs to adapt to the present needs
of children by encouraging creativity through individual learning.
Presently, Wozniak is the chief scientist for a data processing
company. He played a very significant role in the invention of Apple I and II
which revolutionized personal
computers. He said that he learned about computers not in school but from his
father and in his bedroom where he played the computer every night.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
abilities do computers have that human teachers do not possess?
·
What
are the limitations of computers as teachers?
Discussion B
·
What
are the advantages of learning with a group?
·
What
are the benefits of learning at your own pace?
