13. AI and the changing world of work

Objectives

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The students will get key information on AI induced changes in the world of work:

• AI-related threats and opportunities in the world of work
• The current state of affairs concerning AI and the world of work
• Key vocabulary for AI-centered debates

The students will work in groups; various worksheets guide students through the process of gathering essential information.

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Materials and tools

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Internet research:

• Text: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/07/12/ai-and-the-future-of-work/ [01/14/2025] → optimistic opinion
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpr49QJAofY [01/14/2015] → slightly pessimistic opinion

Introduction (5 min)

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Students brainstorm concerns and hopes related to the use of AI in the world of work 

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Independent research in teams of 4 (~40 min)

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Students research the topic with questions based worksheets

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Debate prep (~45 min + homework)

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Debate (45 min +),

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depending on the skill level of debaters
→ 5–8 min speeches, depending on debaters’ skills and language competencies

• Vocabulary Aid + Intro → worksheet 1
• Forbes.com – article → worksheet 2
• WSJ – video → worksheet 3
• List of motions

Tips and Tricks

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• Adapt speaking time to the level of students (5–8 mins.)
• Have lower-tier students practice discussions before using the debate structure
• In case of rather big groups the reply speeches could be done by a 4th speaker

List of Motions – AI and the changing world of work

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Juniors (13–15 YOs)

1. THBT schools should teach students about artificial intelligence to prepare them for future jobs.
2. THW ban companies from using AI to monitor employee productivity.
3. THBT the rise of AI will create more job opportunities than it will eliminate.
4. TH supports the use of AI in recruitment processes to ensure fair hiring practices.
5. THBT young people should prioritize careers in technology over traditional professions due to the rise of AI.

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Seniors (16–19 YOs)

6. THBT governments should implement regulations to limit the use of AI in the workplace.
7. THW require companies to provide reskilling programs for employees displaced by AI.
8. THBT the benefits of generative AI in creative industries outweigh the potential risks to human jobs.
9. TH supports the idea that AI should have a role in decision-making processes in businesses.
10. THBT the increasing reliance on AI in the workplace will lead to greater inequality in society.

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Appendix 2: Test

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Access the FORBES article AI and the future of work and circle the correct solution(s).
Watch out! Up to two solutions can be correct.

1. AI is beneficial in the workplace because it…
   A) eliminates the need for human workers.
   B) allows employees to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.
   C) automates repetitive tasks.
   D) requires extensive technical knowledge from all employees.
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2. By 2025, it is estimated that…
   A) AI will only affect jobs in the technology sector.
   B) 97 million new jobs will be created.
   C) 85 million jobs may be displaced by machines.
   D) the number of jobs will remain unchanged.
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3. A common myth about AI is that…
   A) it is only useful for data analysis.
   B) it can work alongside humans to improve productivity.
   C) it lacks empathy and creativity.
   D) it can enhance customer service experiences.
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4. To prepare for an AI-driven workplace, businesses should…
   A) encourage a culture of innovation and experimentation.
   B) avoid using AI tools altogether.
   C) reduce their workforce to save costs.
   D) invest in continuous learning and upskilling for their employees.
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5. In customer service, AI can…
   A) free up human agents to deal with more complex issues.
   B) completely replace human agents.
   C) handle routine queries effectively.
   D) ensure that all customer interactions are handled with empathy.
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6. A growth mindset involves…
   A) believing that learning is a continuous process.
   B) embracing new technologies and viewing challenges as opportunities.
   C) sticking to traditional methods and avoiding change.
   D) relying solely on AI for all workplace decisions.
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7. Ethical implementation of AI is important because it…
   A) helps to build trust with customers and stakeholders.
   B) ensures that AI systems are always accurate.
   C) addresses biases in algorithms and safeguards data privacy.
   D) eliminates the need for human oversight.
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8. The future of work with AI integration is envisioned as…
   A) a scenario where AI completely takes over all jobs.
   B) an environment that fosters creativity and strategic thinking.
   C) a collaboration between AI and human intelligence to enhance innovation.
   D) a workplace where only technical experts are valued.
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SOLUTIONS

1. B, C
2. B, C
3. C
4. A, D
5. A, C
6. A, B
7. A, C
8. B, C

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Appendix 3: Test 2

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Access the Wall Street Journal video How AI Is Already Reshaping White-Collar Work.
Circle the correct answers below. There is always only ONE correct solution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVpTpx9Avf0

1. What is a major concern regarding AI in the workplace?
   A) It may lead to the erosion of the middle class.
   B) It will create more jobs.
   C) It will enhance job satisfaction.
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2. What did the CEO of IBM suggest about the future of white-collar clerical jobs?
   A) 30% of those roles could disappear in five years.
   B) They will all be replaced by AI.
   C) They will become more secure.
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3. Which company laid off 16% of its workforce, citing a shift towards AI?
   A) Google
   B) Dropbox
   C) IBM
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4. What was a significant outcome of the use of AI in tech companies?
   A) Increased hiring rates.
   B) Job cuts for nearly 4,000 tech workers.
   C) Higher salaries for employees.
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5. How might AI affect future hiring decisions according to the video?
   A) Companies will base hiring on AI capabilities.
   B) Hiring will remain unchanged.
   C) Companies will hire more workers.
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6. What is a concern of the Writers Guild of America regarding AI?
   A) AI could replace many writers in the industry.
   B) AI will help writers create better content.
   C) AI will lead to more collaborative projects.
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7. What is one potential benefit of AI mentioned in the video?
   A) It can eliminate human error in certain tasks.
   B) It guarantees job security.
   C) It will reduce the need for employee training.
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8. What role does AI play in anti-money laundering surveillance programs?
   A) It complicates the process.
   B) It helps in cutting out human error.
   C) It has no significant impact.
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9. How do executives at OpenAI view the future need for human labor?
   A) They think more man hours will be required to utilize AI effectively.
   B) They believe less human labor will be needed.
   C) They predict no change in labor requirements.
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Answer Key

1. A
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. C
8. B
9. A