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. Viet Nam is one of the fastest-aging countries in the world. In 2019, people aged 60 and older made up 11.9% of the population, but by 2050, this will grow to more than 25%. By 2036, Viet Nam will officially become an "aged" society. This change is due to longer life expectancy, lower death rates, and, most importantly, a significant drop in fertility over the past decades. These factors have reshaped Viet Nam's population structure, leading to a rapid aging process.

2. An aging population presents both challenges and opportunities for society. One major concern is the potential lack of workers in the future, which may affect the economy. Additionally, as the number of older people increases, so does the demand for social services, such as pensions and healthcare. Viet Nam has a fairly advanced social protection system, but it needs to be expanded and strengthened to support the growing elderly population. It is also essential to provide job opportunities for seniors who are able and willing to work beyond retirement.

3. The need for healthcare rises with age. Older people face a greater risk of disability and need more assistance. In Viet Nam, families traditionally care for elderly relatives, but this system is becoming harder to maintain, especially in urban areas. Improving access to healthcare and social services will be essential to address these needs effectively.

4. Population aging is a critical issue that requires action from policymakers. Although it creates challenges, it can also offer opportunities if managed correctly. Preparing younger generations for old age and implementing comprehensive policies will help Viet Nam successfully adapt to an aging society while ensuring a better future for all.

Sustainable Tourism in UNESCO World Heritage Marine Sites

1. On 5 December 2024, managers from 51 UNESCO World Heritage marine sites joined an online meeting with experts from UNESCO and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The meeting aimed to provide site managers with knowledge and tools for sustainable tourism management. This would help them implement strategies to monitor and protect their sites from the harmful effects of over-tourism.

2. Tourism and UNESCO World Heritage marine sites are deeply interconnected, as these flagship marine protected areas (MPAs) often become major tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the world. While tourism can foster economic growth and offer social benefits to local communities, it also presents risks. Uncontrolled development and excessive visitor numbers can threaten the integrity of these sites, especially as they face challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.

3. During the meeting, managers shared their experiences and strategies. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia presented its sustainability framework, focusing on Protection, Presentation, and Partnership. This involves conservation, educating visitors, and using data to adjust management strategies. In Palau, the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon emphasized community-based efforts, strict visitor regulations, and cultural awareness, including the Palau Pledge, where visitors promise to respect the environment.

4. Global experts also shared effective practices for promoting sustainable tourism in protected areas. Peter Debrine from UNESCO highlighted the importance of managing visitor data and involving communities to protect these sites' Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Arnau Teixidor from IUCN shared tools for promoting ecotourism and measuring impacts in Mediterranean marine areas. These approaches demonstrate how collaboration and innovative strategies can help balance tourism and conservation in marine protected areas.