GoalExplain cutting-edge technology, give examples of assistive tools and say why we judge fairly.
New words
cutting-edge technology · the newest and most advanced version of a product or serviceassistive technology · tools that help a person do something that is hard for themindependence · being able to do things yourself, without always needing helpinclusion · being a full part of a group or of society
Explanation
Cutting-edge technology is the newest and most advanced version of a product. It is not always assistive, and assistive technology is not always new. A magnifying glass is assistive and very old. A small camera that reads tiny print aloud when you point it at a page is assistive and cutting-edge. Other examples are a screen magnifier, a hearing aid, a program that turns speech into text or text into speech, and smart gloves that change sign language into spoken words. The aim of all assistive technology is the same: to give a person more independence and a place in the community, which we call inclusion. Society should judge new technology fairly and objectively. Objectively means by facts, not by how shiny or famous something is. We ask the same questions about every product, so that the best one for a person is chosen, not the loudest advert.
Tool
Assistive?
Cutting-edge?
magnifying glass
yes
no, it is very old
camera that reads print aloud
yes
yes
smart gloves that turn signs into speech
yes
yes
a new game console
no
yes
Worked examples
Salma’s grandfather has weak sight. His old magnifying glass still helps him read the menu. His new reading camera speaks the whole page. Both are assistive; only the camera is cutting-edge.
A pair of smart gloves changes a signing friend’s hand movements into spoken words. A hearing classmate hears the words, so they can chat with no interpreter. It gives independence and inclusion.
Two ads: one is loud and shows a famous singer; the other lists facts about size, battery and training. A fair judge ignores the singer and compares the facts. That is being objective.
Class activity
Two lists. Make a list of three assistive tools you have seen or heard of (for example glasses, a ramp, subtitles). Next to each, write ‘old’ or ‘new’. Then circle the one you think is the most advanced. Explain to a partner why.
Practice
1
What is cutting-edge technology?
The newest and most advanced version of a product or service.
2
Is a magnifying glass cutting-edge? Is it assistive?
It is assistive but not cutting-edge, because it is very old.
3
Which one is a cutting-edge assistive tool? Say the letter.
