Tech for Good
Oral Communication Practice
Watch the video and respond to the questions below.
1. Do you think technology can ever fully replace humans?
2. How can technology be used for good purposes?
RESPONSES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Kalika Bali, 50, speech and language technology researcher at Microsoft Research India
On how technology can help preserve languages:
“There are 90 percent of the world’s languages which have no or very little resources online available. The digital divide between languages is ever-expanding. This is why in Microsoft, we aim to bridge this gap through Project Ellora. We are trying to see how we can create more data by innovative methods.”
Anne-Marie Imafidon, 31, founder of Stemettes, which supports young women in STEM sectors
On the importance of representation in tech:
“Do you know why having Black British people in tech matters? Because technology is just a tool that you can either create or solve problems with. And there are a lot of problems that we have in society that affect Black British people, and so you need their perspectives in using these tool, otherwise, you may create harm and danger when their needs are not met. And you will reinforce existing societal inequalities.”
Tamimi Pohan, 16, a boy with brittle bones disease
On how smart home technology eased his living challenges:
“If I could do anything tomorrow, I would want to be independent. . . Every morning, I can switch on the lights by myself, and I can also switch the fan on and off. I don’t have to ask my parents to help me. It makes me feel independent.”
