Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. cloud
network (n.) [ri-mee-dee-uhl] – is a system where digital and online information are
provided by one network source, known as the cloud. It can be accessed through
the Internet with a computer or any device, anytime and anywhere.
Example: The cloud network in our company enables us to easily send important
information to our colleagues in America.
2. remedial
(adj.) [kuhn-surv] – acting as a remedy or solution to a problem
Example: Remedial
measures must be done in order to solve the heavy traffic on our highways.
3. conserve
(v.) – to protect something from harm or loss
Example: The biology students taught some
elementary school children how to conserve water.
4. establish
(v.) [ih-stab-lish] – to start or set up something that is intended to be permanent
Example: After losing his job in California,
my friend decided to establish his
own restaurant serving Filipino and Spanish dishes.
5. paradigm
shift (n.) [par-uh-dahym] [shift] – a major change in somebody’s basic belief about something
Example: The law school took a paradigm shift after five more
International Law subjects were added to its curriculum.
Article
Read the text below.
South Korea’s ministry of education plans to
remove the use of printed textbooks in schools by 2015.
Under the plan called “Smart Education”, a cloud network shall host the digital
copies of lessons and reading materials. School children could then access
these files online through the use of Internet-ready devices, which the
government will provide to those who cannot afford them.
The ministry also plans to set up online classes,
allowing students to continue their education even if they cannot be
physically present in schools due to illness or other reasons. This system
may also be used to improve adult remedial
education.
With the Smart Education Program, the government
will be able to help conserve the
environment by saving a lot of trees as paper would no longer be needed to
make textbooks and print materials. The new scheme will likewise boost the Information
Technology (IT) Industry because thousands of employees from IT companies
will be hired to establish online
systems in schools, homes and public places.
According to the education ministry head, this
move is a paradigm shift that will keep Korean students
ahead of other countries in terms of Internet and computer literacy. In
addition, he believes that the plan will help South Korea save on its
financial resources over a long period of time.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
are the advantages and disadvantages of using print materials in schools?
·
Do
you think the format of materials will affect student learning? Explain your
answer.
Discussion
B
·
What
are the advantages and disadvantages of a paperless environment?
·
Are
there threats to information security when offices and companies go
paperless?
