ESL Podcast: In this ESL Podcast we talk about artificial intelligence and the future. What do you think the future will be like in the year 2030? We discuss some of the possible directions science might be heading. Learn great phrases in English for future technologies.
Discussion forum
AI:
ESL Conversation
| A: I just read a cool book about AI. It was trying to predict what the year 2030 will be like. The author is very optimistic about where science is heading. He believes in an exponential growth model for technology in general.
B: What kind of stuff is he predicting? A: He talks about computers taking over the human brain in terms of intelligence, and the possible implications of that. He thinks we will be able to reverse engineer the human brain faster than most people predict, because brain-scanning technology is getting better all the time. He also discusses the exciting new field of nanotechnology. B: What is nanotechnology? A: It is basically technology made from extremely tiny pieces, measured in nanometers. Many people believe that nanotechnology will be able to radically improve manufacturing, medicine, and the environment. |
Phrases and Vocabulary used:
AI (Artificial intelligence): This is man made technology that is able to perform tasks that seem like thinking. The computer program that defeated the world’s greatest chess player was an example of artificial intelligence at work.
Exponential growth: Exponential growth is growth that starts out slowly but then moves very quickly. Leaving money in a stable investment pays you more each year than the year before. Something that doubles every year is an example of exponential growth. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16… is exponential growth. Linear growth is 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, …
Implications: The implications of something means what that something “implies”. Implications are what will happen as a result of doing something.
You might think you want to take that high paying stressful job, but think about the implications. You won’t have as much time to spend with your family, you will be more stressed, and you won’t have enough free time to do the things in life you love.
Brain Scanning: Taking “pictures” of the brain. There are many different types of brain scanning technology that is able to produce an image of the brain.
Radically: Drastically, in a huge way.
Google radically changed the way that most people around the world search for information
Reverse engineer: Reverse engineering something means to take apart something that is already made, figure out how they made it, and then try to make it again.
Some companies try to reverse engineer technology like the ipod, manufacture it, and then sell it for a cheaper price.
Nanometers: (one billionth of a meter) Very small!! 1 000 000 000 nanometers = 1 meter.
November 8th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
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November 9th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Great information, providing free service to the humanity.thank you
November 9th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I am fortunate that I find this program. I will keep on learning this lesson!
November 10th, 2008 at 8:28 am
why do I can’t download the record?do I need set some software? please tell me
November 10th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
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November 10th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Good Job Guys!!!
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See you later.
November 11th, 2008 at 8:21 am
@Micheal
TO download podcast:
Just click “Download” buttoon. New page will open. Then, in Your browser menu, go to “File -> Save Page As” or something like this.
November 11th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Hi Andrew or AB or Andi and OTiS or ED disson,
EXcelent. go ahead. i´ll be with you. and - i did hear you!! - more and more people i recommended china232 (what a name?? by the way). finallly, where can i get this merchandising stuff (i go for the mouse-pad or coffe-mug) to support you guys??
hale bob
November 12th, 2008 at 3:28 am
thanks all
November 12th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Thank you, guys, for your help.
I am having an exponential growth in English since I have been using your lessons and podcasts.
before kowing your site in internet I used to have a linear growth. After having been in touch with your lessons the method of my learning has shown good results, changin radically my habits of studying.
The implications of that is that I am improving day after day.
Thank you, guys, and good luck in your work and in your life.
You don’t know me but I hear you everyday.
Bye!
November 12th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Thank you guys
This is really interesting podcast; every day I enjoy and learn new vocabulary trying to practice as much as I can, and these lessons make me feel more confident when I speak with others.
Thanks a lot and plese keep doing this awesome job!!!
November 13th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Another great episode by two great guys!!
November 16th, 2008 at 1:51 am
i learn more new words and phrases from this programe,thanks a lot~~
November 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Greetings from Colombia, you two guys are genial. Thanks for your podcasts. Right now I\’m listening the first 20 ones and they are absolutely awesome. I have told to all my friends about this fancy site, well done.
I will keep listening you as much as I can, my english skills and confidence has increased little by little after listening you. I got stuck many years ago without getting a real advance until I found your website, and now I\’m getting to a new level.
later,
November 19th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Hello, I\’m from Korea. It is awesome. I bought an ipot. I was trying to download the lessons but it didn\’t work. I saw \’download\’ but it is really slow.
Is there any way I can download fast? Please let me know
November 19th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
thanks again for a wonderful topic!
I downloaded your podcast down through my cellphone, I listened every time, even during my work. Sometimes my doctor ask me something and I can’t hear him because I am listening to you guys I just say ” Aiwa Doctor” it mean yes doctor, its arabic, I am working here in Saudi. I want to ask because i am confused, what is the pronunciation of “often” is it silent T or not. Please advise!
Thank you once more and hope you will still continue helping people learning English.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I thank you so much for putting together this ESL Ipod, you have no idea how it is helping me develop my English! I reside in an English speaking Country; you’d think I’d be able to master living amongst society that speaks it. My problem is that I stumble with thoughts when I speak and this has created frustrations within me. Thus, I have decided to search over the internet to find me ways to over come this obstacle on my own so here I am. Keep up the good work and once again, thank you.
January 8th, 2009 at 4:55 am
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