A New Tool at Work
A few years ago, people made a new computer helper called AI. AI is like a smart robot brain that can help people with their jobs. Many grown-ups at big companies thought AI would change work very fast. They thought it would help workers do their jobs better and quicker.
But now, a few years later, many people are still waiting to see big changes. Why is it taking so long?
One reason is that not all workers are using the new AI tools. Some workers feel worried. They wonder if the AI will take their jobs. Some bosses told workers they must use AI. But at a company named Cisco, they found that forcing people did not work well. Workers did not like it. What worked better was letting workers choose. They let their engineers pick which AI tools to try. The engineers liked having a choice!
Another reason is that workers need to learn how to use AI. It is a new skill, like learning to read or add numbers. Some companies want to hire young people who just finished college because they often know more about computers. But companies also need to teach the workers they already have. They need to spend time and money to help everyone learn.
Changing work is a big job. It takes a lot of time. It is like cleaning up a very messy playroom. You have to sort all the toys and decide what to keep. Big companies have to look at all the jobs people do and figure out how AI can help. This will take many years.
So, even though AI is here, it is not changing everything right now. It is happening slowly. This slow change is good because it gives people time to learn. It gives everyone time to get ready for the future.
The news from this winter tells us that big changes from AI are still coming, but we must be patient and keep learning.
Vocabulary Words
- Tool: Something you use to help you do a job, like a hammer or a computer.
- Company: A place where many people work together to make or do something.
- Worker: A person who has a job.
- Skill: Something you learn to do well, like drawing or tying your shoes.
- Patient: Waiting calmly without getting upset.
Comprehension Questions
Choose the best answer for each question.
- What is AI like?
A. A fast car
B. A smart robot brain
C. A big book
D. A loud noise - What did the company Cisco learn about forcing workers to use AI?
A. It made workers very happy.
B. It did not work well.
C. It finished the job quickly.
D. It broke the computers. - Why do some companies want to hire young people who just finished college?
A. They like their backpacks.
B. They often know more about computers and AI.
C. They work for free.
D. They are very tall. - What does the story say changing work with AI is like?
A. Eating a quick snack
B. Cleaning up a very messy playroom
C. Taking a short nap
D. Drawing a straight line - Is AI changing work very fast right now?
A. Yes, it changed everything yesterday.
B. No, it is happening slowly.
C. Yes, but only on Tuesdays.
D. No, it will never change work.
Answer Key
- B
- B
- B
- B
- B
