Smart Versus Not-Smart Devices
Sorting objects into 'smart' (can sense and respond) and 'not smart' (just sits there); a toaster vs a smart speaker; introduction to the idea that some machines can sense and respond to the world
What a learner can do afterwards
- Sort a set of objects into 'smart' (responds to input) and 'not smart' (does the same thing every time)
- Explain what makes a smart speaker different from a regular radio
- Give an example of a machine that senses something and responds (automatic door, motion-sensor light)
The lesson
Some machines just do one thing. They do it the same way every time. Other machines are smart. Smart machines sense the world. Then they respond to what they sense.
A toaster always toasts bread the same way. It never listens or looks around. A smart speaker is different. It listens to your voice. It can answer you back. That makes the speaker smart.
Look for machines that sense something. A door that opens by itself senses you. A light that turns on by itself senses you too. Those machines are smart.
Smart machines sense and respond. Not-smart machines just repeat the same thing.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.