The development of artificial intelligence is happening rapidly, and two recent events high-light this trend. On May 10th, Google announced its plans to use machine-learning techniques to generate（生成） text in its existing products. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google's parent company Alphabet, stated that they are “reimagining all of our core products, including search.” This move is seen as a response to Microsoft's similar functionality on Bing.

The use of large language models in AI has been gaining momentum in recent years. These models allow computers to understand human language and generate text that is similar to what a human would write. The potential applications for this technology are vast, from improving search engines to creating more natural-sounding chatbots.

However, there are concerns about the ethical implications of AI. Many worry about the possibility for unfair influences in algorithms（算法） and the impact on jobs as automation becomes more popular. There are also fears about the misuse of AI in areas such as monitoring and conflict.

Despite these concerns, the race to develop and deploy AI continues. Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing heavily in this technology, and governments around the world are also taking notice. It remains to be seen how AI will shape our future, but it is clear that it will play an increasingly important role in our lives.

For English learners, understanding the basics of AI and its potential impact on society is essential knowledge in today's world. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely that more and more aspects of our lives will be affected by this technology.

                                                                                                                 Best Educational Apps for Kids

Kids love screen time. But if you want your child to do a little less Pokémon chasing and a little more learning, there’s good news. Many of today’s apps for kids are combining technology and education to make learning more interactive, and—dare we say—fun than ever before.

We have highlighted the four best learning apps for kids loved by parents and youngsters.

Khan Academy

Price: Free

Ages/Grades: Grades K – 14

Apple/Android: Both

Why We Chose It: Suitable for beginners and advanced students, Khan Academy offers learning opportunities for students of all ages across many subjects, including math, economics, and history.

Busy Shapes

Price: $3

Ages/Grades: Ages 2 – 5

Apple/Android: Both

Why We Chose It: Your toddler will love moving the shapes around in this app, and you’ll love that it’s secretly teaching them spatial recognition and object awareness.

ABCmouse.com

Price: $ 13 per month

Ages/Grades: Ages 2 – 8

Apple/Android: Both

Why We Chose It: ABCmouse.com has more than 10,000 activities available to play on its app or website. There are games for traditional subjects, like math, science, and language arts, as well as art activities, song sand puzzles.

Prodigy

Price: Free for basic; premium memberships cost $ 10 to $ 15 per month and $ 75 to $100 per year.

Ages/Grades: Grades 1 – 8

Apple/Android: Both

Why We Chose It: Prodigy helps students learn math while having fun by providing interactive games that align with(与……一致) the curriculum they’re learning at school.

Teenage brains in the digital world

When it comes to technology, adults won't be able to keep up with their children. It took the radio 38 years to reach 50 million people, but it took only 20 years for the phone to reach the same number, and 13 years for the television. In contrast, it took Facebook 3.6 years.【小题1】

Over the 15 years, digital communication has brought in more changes than the printing press did in 1570. And those most likely to use them in this world are teenagers？ whose brains appear to have an extraordinary capacity to adapt to the world around them.【小题2】enabling teenagers to keep up with the increasing pace of digital technology and giving them an advantage when it comes to multitasking(多重任务处理)．

In the US, on average teenagers spend 8.5 hours a day using computers, mobiles, and other devices to learn, interact, and play.【小题3】such as talking on the phone while you're watching TV. As they stare at these screens, they're taking in and sorting through an incredible amount of information.

【小题4】YouTube indicates that teenagers all over the world are watching the same clips and laughing at the same joke, indicating that they are more global-minded than teenagers in the past. They may be keen on texting their friends and posting updates on social media sites.

【小题5】By the age of 30, our brains have become more set in their way, making it harder for us to adapt and cope with the new technology.