Episode 9
Noah & Liam Discover Algorithms
In this episode, join Noah and Liam, two best friends from different parts of town, as they discover the fascinating world of algorithms. One day, they realize that their tablets show them very different videos, sparking their curiosity about how these suggestions work. With the help of Noah’s older sister, Emma, they learn about algorithms and how they shape what we see online.
Guided by Emma, Noah and Liam embark on a journey to explore new topics and share their discoveries with each other. They find out that by watching and reading different things, they can broaden their horizons and enjoy a more diverse range of content.
Main Learning Points:
- Understand Algorithms: Learn how algorithms decide what content to show based on your online activity.
- Explore New Topics: Discover the importance of seeking out new and different content.
- Share Discoveries: Talk to friends and family about what you find online to learn from each other.
- Broaden Horizons: Realize that exploring diverse content makes the digital world more exciting.
Join us as Noah and Liam’s adventure unfolds. This episode is perfect for children and their families, providing both entertainment and essential knowledge about how algorithms work and the importance of exploring diverse content. It teaches young listeners the value of curiosity and sharing discoveries in a fun and engaging way.
Transcript
Once upon a time in a busy city, there lived two boys named Noah and Liam. Noah lived in a cozy apartment in the heart of the city, surrounded by tall buildings and busy streets. Liam, on the other hand, lived in a quiet house on the outskirts of town, where the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of chirping birds.
Noah and Liam were best friends, even though they came from different backgrounds and lived in different parts of town. They loved spending time together, playing soccer in the park outside of the school they went to together, and sharing stories about their day.
One afternoon, Noah and Liam were talking about the people they saw in the videos on their tablets. “I love all of those videos showing kids do funny LEGO creations and crazy science experiments!” Noah said. “Did you see the one where everyone was covered in the huge exploding marshmallow?”
Liam nodded. “No, I’ve never seen anything like that. I like watching those videos of kids showing the crazy-expensive hotels and vacations they take.”
The boys were puzzled. “Why do we see such different things?” Noah wondered aloud.
Just then, Noah’s older sister, Emma, walked in. She was a computer science student and loved explaining things to Noah. “It’s because of algorithms,” she said with a smile. “Algorithms are what decide what you see. They learn from what you watch, read, click on, and take other information like where exactly you live. So, it takes everything it can learn about you and shows you the videos that will most likely keep you online longer.”
Noah’s eyes widened. “So, it’s like the tablet knows what we like?”
“Exactly!” Emma nodded. “But it’s important to remember that algorithms don’t always get it right. They can sometimes show you only one type of thing and make you miss out on other cool stuff.”
Noah thought for a moment. “So, if I want to see different things, I should try watching and reading different stuff?”
“That’s right,” Emma said. “And it’s also good to talk to friends and family about what they see. That way, you can learn from each other and discover new things.”
Noah and Liam decided to test it out. They started watching videos and reading articles about topics they hadn’t explored before. Noah discovered the wonders of traveling to exotic places, and Liam found out about amazing new science experiments to try.
From that day on, Noah and Liam made it a habit to share their favorite videos and news with each other. They realized that the world was full of fascinating things, and all it took was a little curiosity and a willingness to explore.
And so, Noah and Liam’s adventure with algorithms taught them a valuable lesson: the more you explore, the more you learn, and the more exciting the world becomes.
