Robot teachers

1. If you think of the jobs robots could never do, you would probably put doctors and teachers at the top of the list. It's easy to imagine robot cleaners and factory workers, but some jobs need human connection and creativity. But are we underestimating what robots can do? In some cases, they already perform better than doctors at diagnosing illness. Also, some patients might feel more comfortable sharing personal information with a machine than a person. Could there be a place for robots in education after all?

2. British education expert Anthony Seldon thinks so. And he even has a date for the robot takeover of the classroom: 2027. He predicts robots will do the main job of transferring information and teachers will be like assistants. Intelligent robots will read students' faces, movements and maybe even brain signals. Then they will adapt the information to each student. It's not a popular opinion and it's unlikely that robots will ever have empathy and the ability to really connect with humans like another human can.

3. One thing is certain, though. A robot teacher is better than no teacher at all. In some parts of the world, there aren't enough teachers and 9 - 16 percent of children under the age of 14 don't go to school. That problem could be partly solved by robots because they can teach anywhere and won't get stressed, or tired, or move somewhere for an easier, higher-paid job.

4. Those negative aspects of teaching are something everyone agrees on. Teachers all over the world are leaving because it is a difficult job and they feel overworked. Perhaps the question is not “Will robots replace teachers?” but “How can robots help teachers?” Office workers can use software to do things like organise and answer emails, arrange meetings and update calendars. Teachers waste a lot of time doing non-teaching work, including more than 11 hours a week marking homework. If robots could cut the time teachers spend marking homework and writing reports, teachers would have more time and energy for the parts of the job humans do best.

(Adapted from https://learnenglish.brtishcoucil.org/)

1. Megafires, which were once rare, are becoming more frequent. Over the past 40 years, the number of acres burned by wildfires in the United States has risen by 1,000 percent. Scientists believe that climate change is a key reason for this increase. Warmer and drier weather, along with earlier snowmelt, means that the dry season is now longer, leaving forests more vulnerable to fires.

2. In addition, past land management policies have also made the problem worse. For many years, the U.S. Forest Service focused on putting out all wildfires. However, people did not understand that some forests have evolved to burn. Occasional small fires remove undergrowth and allow new trees to grow, which helps keep the forests healthy.

3. During the 20th century, when forest rangers fought every fire, large amounts of dead wood built up in the forests. This created the perfect conditions for larger, hotter fires. When a fire starts in these areas, it is more likely to become a megafire. Unlike regular wildfires, megafires can permanently change the landscape. For example, the 2011 Las Conchas megafire in New Mexico turned some forested areas into grasslands.

4. Some areas, like Florida and Australia, have used controlled burns to reduce the damage caused by wildfires. These fires are set deliberately to burn away dead matter without harming living plants. However, the U.S. Forest Service currently spends much of its budget fighting megafires, which are becoming more common each year.

5. In an ironic feedback loop, megafires are not only fueled by climate change, they also contribute to it by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a result, megafires could become even more common in the decades ahead.

Preserving Africa's Cultural Heritage

1. Cultural preservation in Africa focuses on protecting both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations. This includes conserving artefacts, traditions, languages, and practices of cultural significance. The African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) recognizes 3D printing as a key tool in this effort. This cutting-edge technology offers a precise and non-invasive way to replicate and restore artefacts, buildings, and landmarks that are damaged or lost. By adding materials layer by layer, 3D printing allows detailed restoration and replication.

2. APET highlights how 3D printing is transforming cultural preservation. For example, the Iziko Museums in Cape Town use it to replicate San rock art, protecting the originals from damage. In Egypt, researchers use the technology to restore ancient hieroglyphs on temples. At Great Zimbabwe, 3D-printed bricks are being used for restoration where traditional materials are unavailable. These examples demonstrate the value of 3D printing in addressing restoration challenges.

3. Additionally, 3D printing makes cultural heritage more accessible by allowing museums to create replicas for travelling exhibits, bringing historical treasures to distant communities. Schools and universities use 3D-printed artefacts for hands-on learning, helping students connect with their history. Digital 3D scanning creates detailed models stored online, enabling global access and collaboration.

4. APET suggests that national 3D cultural preservation programmes can document heritage sites and train local communities in 3D technology. This approach not only protects heritage but also creates jobs and empowers communities. Open-access policies further encourage education and innovation using 3D models. Investing in 3D printing infrastructure for tourism and restoration can boost local economies. Integrating 3D printing into creative industries ensures Africa's heritage is protected while supporting economic growth.