Alexa..."how do you make crab cakes"?

Mar 25, 2020 7:23 pm

Note: This week I've been doing 1-minute videos to connect with new subscribers to this list and provide rapid feedback on your website. If you'd like a video, just reply with your URL.


Lots of talk lately about how Voice tech will play out in education.


For example:


  • Phil Cutler mentioned voice and AI on the recent episode of The EdTech Startup Show
  • This week I tried out Voicelets, an app that lets teachers and parents program their own Alexa education games
  • There's a boom in podcasts and other audio-first content


But the real problem, as Millennial parents can agree, is battling the voice device with a toddler.


As voice commands get connected to more and more of our devices, there will have to be some more security measures put in place.


Here's what I mean:


Recently, and just for fun, my older son yelled out "Alexa...how do you make crab cakes?". The Echo then read off a recipe option to him. Then, it said, "do you want to send this to your phone?" He said yes. My wife's phone buzzed.


Two points about this:


First, imagine if/when the Alexa is connected to the lights, the thermostat, and the alarm system? Hopefully the voice recognition security measures are further along than I realize.


Second, consider the education implications for this recipe situation: A child can just as easily say "Alexa, what does an orca whale sound like?" And the Echo can reply - "Would you like me to send the most popular Kids video for Orca whales to your iPad?" Etc etc etc.


It can be a massive increase in accessibility, and a leverage point for curiosity.


How else do you see voice tech playing out in education? Reply and let me know.


PS - This week I've been doing 1-minute videos to connect with new subscribers to this list and provide rapid feedback on your website. If you'd like a video, just reply with your URL.

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