Transcripts
A We already have driverless cars! B Exactly. So we don’t know which of today’s skills computers will have learnt. But there are some things that I believe they will never learn.
A For example? B If I try and picture the world in 2030, or even 2040, I can confidently say that robots will not be solving complex problems.
A How can you be so sure? B Because they won’t have learnt how to think critically. A Interesting. Are there any other skills you think are ‘future proof’?
B Well, I’m pretty certain that by 2040 robots won’t have acquired emotional intelligence. So they won’t be managing people in the way that humans can.
A It sounds as if you’re describing high-level cognitive skills. B Exactly! A And you’re saying that these are skills that employers will be looking for in the future?
B Yes. Because they are the qualities that only humans can offer.
A I suppose that skills like decision-making and creativity would also be included in this.
B Ah! Well, decision-making probably not, actually. We can already see that computers are tremendously good at weighing up future possibilities and making good decisions.
A Oh. B But creativity, creative thinking, yes, that is absolutely the sort of thing people should be focusing on.
A Well, it’s a fascinating view, thank you. In the next part of the programme we’ll be hearing from some listeners. They’ll be telling us how they feel about the possibility of automation in their industries. But first …
6.4 1 Yes, I am a bit worried actually. I mean, I’ve just started a career in accountancy, but by the time I’ve done all my exams, the job will have changed a lot. Accountancy is fairly repetitive and it’s all about numbers, so I expect computers will be doing most of the day-to-day tasks soon.
2 Listen, musicians have always adapted to new technology, whether it’s electric guitars, drum machines or synthesizers. And I’m sure that in a few years’ time, someone will have invented a machine that can write songs, but so what? These machines won’t replace people because music is about heart and soul – it’s a very human experience. Believe me, people won’t be queuing up to watch robots perform on stage!
3 Let’s be honest, this job won’t be around for much longer. In 20 years’ time, driverless cars will have become more common than cars with drivers. People will be using an app to call a cab, then getting in a driverless car fitted with a GPS that will take them to their destination. They’ll pay by swiping a card and nobody will speak to anyone. It’s a real pity, I think. Anyway, I’m going to change career, move into something more future-proof.
128 English for the 21st Century • Transcripts
4 I don’t really think about it too much. I’m certainly not complacent about the threat of automation. Teaching has already changed so much over the last few years, with online learning, and so on. And I expect teachers will be using digital technology more and more in the future. But schools won’t have ceased to exist by 2040! So much of teaching is about making an emotional connection and adapting to the needs of each individual student. I don’t think computers will ever be able to replicate that.
6.5 Petra I was just reading an article about the best apps out there at the moment.
Khaled Oh, I don’t bother with apps anymore. Most of them are just a waste of time. Games and stuff. There are more important things in the world.
Petra Yeah, but some apps are about important things. Khaled Really? Like what? Petra Well, there’s this ‘Power To Give’ app which uses your phone’s spare computer power to help important research projects.
Khaled Is that an original idea? Petra Yes, no one’s tried it before. It’s really innovative. Khaled How much more power can a few phones generate? Petra Well, that’s the thing. The more people who use the app, the better the results. Potentially, if millions of people download it, the grid will have access to more power than a supercomputer. That’s what the website says anyway.
Khaled OK, fair enough, but does this app actually do any good? I mean, I do want to help but not if it’s supporting research into something bad or a waste of time like looking for extraterrestrials.
Petra Actually, extraterrestrial research is just one of the projects. You can choose which project you support. There’s cancer research, climate change research …
Khaled Oh, I didn’t realize that. That’s good then. But is it reliable? I hate it when these things go wrong. It drives me mad!
Petra Well, I haven’t downloaded it yet, but I’ve had a look at the reviews. There are a few people saying they’ve had problems.
Khaled Right, so it’s not very reliable. Petra Well, I don’t know. Nothing’s perfect, is it? Khaled And is it safe? Petra What do you mean? Khaled Well, my phone’s got all sorts of data on it – bank details, passwords, and this app connects my phone to some grid somewhere. Who’s going to have access to it?
Petra Ah, no I checked that because I was a bit worried about it, too. Only HTC accesses the processing power, it doesn’t touch any of your data.
Khaled OK. Well, it sounds pretty good I suppose. I’ll have a look.
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