Read the text to answer the question.

     A recent Executive Order by President Biden emphasized the link between racial equity, education, and artificial intelligence (AI). It stated that the Federal Government must both pursue educational equity and eliminate bias in the design and use of new technologies, such as AI.

     The U.S. Department of Education’s report Advancing Digital Equity for All defines digital equity as the condition in which individuals and technological communities capacity needed have the for full participation in society and the economy.  

     Concerns about racial equity and bias are central to the debate on AI in education. AI systems rely on datasets, and when these datasets are non-representative or contain biased patterns, the resulting models may behave unfairly. Such systematic unfairness in automated decisions is known as algorithmic bias, which can lead to discrimination and undermine equity at scale.

     Bias is intrinsic to how AI algorithms are trained on historical data. When these biases sustain unjust or discriminatory practices in education, they must be identified and addressed. For instance, algorithms used for admissions, early intervention, or exam monitoring should be regularly evaluated for evidence of unfair bias, not only during design but also as they are deployed in real educational contexts. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational

Technology. (2023). Artificial Intelligence and the Future of

Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations.

Washington, DC: U.S.

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Smatphones are banned in Brazilian Schools

Brazil’s president has signed a law to limit smartphone use in schools, starting in February. This rule will apply to elementary and high schools across the country. Phones will only be allowed in emergencies, for educational activities, or for students with disabilities. The goal is to help students focus better and reduce distractions caused by phones.

Officials explained that children are using the internet at younger ages, which makes it harder for parents to monitor them. Limiting smartphones at school can help students concentrate on studying. A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of Brazilians support banning smartphones in schools, and over threequarters believe these devices are harmful for kids.

Some families and students agree with the move, saying it will encourage more interaction and help classmates focus better. However, others believe it won’t solve all school issues, like bullying and harassment.

As of 2023, about two-thirds of Brazilian schools already limit smartphone use, while 28% ban them completely. Some states, such as Rio de Janeiro and Goias, have passed local laws restricting phones in schools, but enforcement has been challenging. In Sao Paulo, discussions are ongoing about banning phones in both public and private schools.

Globally, concerns ______________ smartphone use ______________ children have led to similar measures. Countries ______________ China, France, and parts of the U.S. have introduced restrictions to reduce distractions and protect children’s mental health. A report ______________ UNESCO found that one in four countries has already limited smartphone use in schools.

Adapted from: https://en.islcollective.com

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF AI IN EDUCATION

    As artificial intelligence becomes more common in our daily lives, its effect on education calls for both enthusiasm and caution. Supporters believe that AI offers great opportunities for personalized learning, making administrative tasks easier and bringing new ways to teach. However, there are still worries about privacy, fairness and the possibility of replacing traditional teaching jobs. A study by the Digital Education Council found that 86% of students admit to using AI in their studies. To further that, 24% use it daily and 54% use it weekly. What is artificial intelligence in education?

    Artificial intelligence in education refers to the use of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence to enhance learning experiences, streamline administrative processes, and support educators. AI technologies include machine learning, natural language processing and robotics, which can personalize learning by adapting content and pace to individual student needs. This personalized approach helps address diverse learning styles and paces, ensuring that each student receives the attention and resources they need to succeed.

    In addition to personalized learning, AI can assist educators by automating administrative tasks. By reducing the time spent on these repetitive tasks, teachers can focus more on instruction and student engagement. AI-powered tools can also provide insights into student performance and progress, enabling early intervention for those who may be struggling and recognizing those who excel. This data-driven approach allows for more informed decision-making and tailored support for students. AI in education can facilitate innovative teaching methods and interactive learning environments. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform education by making it more accessible, efficient and personalized becomes increasingly evident.

    The role of Artificial Intelligence in education is rapidly transforming how students learn and how educators teach. AI-powered tools enable personalized learning experiences, adapting content and pace to meet individual student needs. Intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading and virtual assistants enhance both teaching efficiency and student engagement. By analyzing learning patterns, AI can also help identify struggling students early, allowing for timely intervention and support. Another key aspect of the role of AI in education is its ability to improve accessibility and inclusivity. AI-driven platforms can provide real-time translations, speech-to-text capabilities and adaptive learning materials for students with disabilities. Moreover, educators benefit from AI by gaining data-driven insights into curriculum effectiveness and student performance. As the technology continues to evolve, AI holds the potential to create more equitable and effective educational environments worldwide. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing various sectors and education is no exception. The integration of AI in education has brought about significant changes that enhance learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks and support both students and educators in various ways.

    As artificial intelligence continues to integrate into various sectors, its application in education is both celebrated and scrutinized. While AI holds significant potential to transform learning experiences, it also presents several disadvantages that need careful consideration that must be addressed to ensure a balanced and effective learning environment. Another major concern is the growing dependence on technology that AI in education fosters. As educational institutions increasingly rely on AI-driven tools for teaching, assessment and administrative tasks, there is a risk of becoming overly dependent on these technologies. This dependence can lead to significant disruptions in the event of technical failures or cyber-attacks. Furthermore, it may also diminish the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students, as they may become accustomed to AI systems providing answers and solutions.

    The lack of human touch is another critical disadvantage of AI in education, leading to a dehumanized learning experience. Traditional education relies heavily on human interaction, with teachers providing not only academic instruction but also emotional support and mentorship. AI systems, while efficient, cannot replicate the empathy, understanding and personal connection that human educators offer. This absence of human elements can affect students' social and emotional development, as well as their overall engagement and motivation in the learning process. AI in education also raises the risk of cheating. Advanced AI tools can be exploited by students to find ways to bypass academic integrity measures. For instance, AI-powered plagiarism detection systems may themselves be outsmarted by sophisticated AI-generated content that mimics genuine student work. Additionally, AI-based tutoring systems and automated assessments might be manipulated to provide undue assistance, undermining the fairness and integrity of academic evaluations. Schools and institutions must continuously adapt and update their AI tools to mitigate these risks.

    Lastly, the rise of AI in education brings the concern of teacher job displacement. As AI systems take on more roles traditionally filled by educators, there is a fear that teachers may become obsolete. Automated grading, AI-driven tutoring, and administrative tasks handled by AI could reduce the need for human teachers, leading to job losses and a devaluation of the teaching profession. While AI can certainly support and enhance educational practices, it is essential to balance its implementation to ensure that teachers remain integral to the educational process, providing the human touch that technology cannot replace.

    Taken and adapted from: https://www.ucanwest.ca/blog/education-careers-tips/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ai-ineducation

Read the passage and answer question.

Palestinians in Gaza Reflect on One Year of Israel’s War With Hamas Oct. 7, 2024

The war has killed tens of thousands and devastated entire cities, leaving many in Gaza without a home and fueling a humanitarian catastrophe.

By Bilal Shbair and Hiba Yazbek Reporting from the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem.

Last October, Fadi Abu Kheir of southern Gaza had big plans. He was going to be engaged to the woman he loved. After they got married, he said, they would move in together, into an apartment that he spent years building.

“Now,” Mr. Abu Kheir, 24, said, “I am clueless about my future. I cannot even think how I can adapt to life postwar.”

It has been a year since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks impelled Israel to launch a retaliatory offensive in Gaza. For Mr. Abu Kheir — and, indeed, for Palestinians across the enclave — every day since, he said, has teemed with “sadness, depression and fury.”

The war has killed over 41,000 people, according to Gazan health officials, and devastated entire neighborhoods and cities, leaving hundreds of thousands without a home and fueling a humanitarian catastrophe.

More than 2 million people lived in the strip before the conflict. No one has been unaffected.

“We were so happy before this war,” said Maisaa al-Naffar, 20, of Khan Younis, breaking into tears as she recalled her first few weeks as a newlywed before the war began. She added: “I am not the person I used to be.”

Nine months pregnant, she is sheltering in a tent in southern Gaza.

“I miss my old life. I miss the days when we used to have fun or laugh at even the smallest things.

I miss my life when we had enough healthy food and snacks,”

Ms. al-Naffar said. “Today, everything has become a hell, full of dust and darkness.” 

Throughout the enclave, similar stories abound. For Mr. Abu Kheir, the image from the war that lingers is that of a naked, lifeless woman lying in the street, blown out of a house that had been bombarded, he said. The conflict has killed two of his best friends, and displaced him and his family, he said. It also destroyed the apartment he was building, in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The war, he said, has “destroyed my dreams.”

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If you visit Japan, you might choose to travel around the country by shinkansen train. These high-speed trains connect the major cities of Japan. They are nicknamed “bullet trains” because they go very fast and have pointy noses like a bullet.

Bullet trains are a good way to travel for several reasons other than their speed. They are very punctual, often leaving on time to the second. They are also comfortable. All the seats face forward, and there is plenty of leg room. Most importantly, bullet trains are very safe. In their 35-year history, there have been only a few accidents and no deaths.

The only downside to bullet trains is that they are expensive. A ticket to travel to another city can cost almost as much as an airline ticket would. However, if you fly, you will land at an airport at the edge of a city. Train stations are usually right in the middle of a city. This means that it is often more convenient to take a bullet train instead of flying, because you will arrive exactly where you want to be.