EU Countries Ban Phones in Schools
AI-enhanced title
03-07-2024 07:00
A small cultural revolution is happening at a German school where a mobile phone ban is
This idea has caused controversy, as some people believe a complete ban is not practical.
Students addicted to phones often see their grades drop. Banning phones in schools has been
debated for years, not only in Germany. France, Italy, Britain, and the Netherlands have
banned cell phones from the classroom. Since 2022, calls for a ban have been getting louder
in Germany. Some schools limit phone use during classes, but this school in Nortorf tried
banning phones entirely for two days a week. At first, teachers and parents opposed the idea,
especially in rural areas where communication is necessary. However, the ban led to students
playing more games and socializing during breaks, which improved their concentration and
learning abilities.
Integrating digital devices, including smartphones, into the curriculum can enhance learning.
Some innovative approaches include using games like Minecraft for educational purposes.
While the full ban in Nortof has ended, the experiment changed how students use their
phones. Difficult words: controversy (public disagreement or discussion), practical (effective or
suitable), curriculum (the subjects studied in a school and what each subject
· Kenya and plastics – level 3
02-07-2024 15:00
world’s largest landfills. It’s filled with single-use plastics despite Kenya’s efforts to reduce its
environmental impact.
The country advocates for a binding international agreement on plastics as delegates gather to
discuss the first-ever treaty on plastic pollution. In 2017, Kenya imposed stringent laws against
The recent Waste Management law places responsibility on producers rather than consumers.
Biof Foods, a Kenyan dairy company, adapted by replacing white PET milk bottles with clear
ones, receiving positive feedback from recyclers. The shift in mindset, influenced by recent
01-07-2024 15:00
Traditional global trade and engagement on a worldwide scale may be limited, but there is still a
need for such interactions, although on a more regional or bilateral basis. Moritz anticipates a
shift towards greater regionalization rather than fragmentation, with regions like North America,
Europe, and Asia integrating and converging. Despite the perception of increased fragmentation,
efforts to enhance trade exposure and exports between countries within these regions are
evident.
Moritz suggests that economic growth may stem from disaggregation rather than global
integration. They foresee an evolution of globalization, emphasizing more regional and possibly
Difficult words: bilateral (involving two parties), fragmentation (the process of breaking into
smaller parts), disaggregation (the process of breaking into smaller components or pieces).
01-07-2024 07:00
A tragic fire in a South Korean lithium battery factory has resulted in 22 deaths.
The fire began after several battery cells exploded in the warehouse, though the exact cause of
the explosion remains unknown. The fire quickly engulfed the building, trapping workers inside,
The blaze is believed to have started on the second floor where products were packaged and
stored. An eyewitness suggested it began with a spark from a single battery. Due to the high risks
associated with lithium batteries, which can burn intensely and for longer periods, the government
quickly dispatched firefighters. After hours of battling the fire, firefighters retrieved the bodies of
Difficult words: engulf (to completely cover by fire), dispatch (to send out quickly), retrieve (to
02-07-2024 07:00
In 1976, 14-year-old Nadia Comăneci made history as the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in
the Olympics. The scoring system couldn’t display 10.0, so it showed 1.0 instead. Nadia achieved
Today, AI assists in judging by using computer vision to recognize top performances. The scoring
system has changed since Nadia’s time. It combines execution and bonus points, making it
challenging to score a perfect 10 in execution. AI processes data rapidly and enhances the
viewing experience with real-time graphics. Sports like swimming, diving, tennis, and athletics use
AI for judging.
Omega, the official timekeeper, captures detailed performance moments. Introducing AI to the
Olympics is a gradual process, starting with local championships. Visitors can try an AI-powered
lab to assess their athletic abilities. AI provides instant feedback that helps coaches improve
athletes’ performance. Cognitive drills and athletic tests are also part of the experience, making it
mental processes).
