Click the blue link to read the excerpt from "The Fun They Had" by Isaac Asimov then answer the questions below using specific examples from the story as support:
This story was written in 1951, only a few years after televisions became popular in homes and long before computers and the internet were a part of our daily lives. What are some similarities you see in the way Margie & Tommy attend school to the way students learn online today? (Use specific examples from the story as support.) What are some differences? (Use specific examples from the story as support.)
The story is set in the year 2155. How do you think our modern-day schools will have changed by then? Provide examples to support your opinions.
Your answer should be TWO paragraphs long. Remember to include the TAG- title, author, & genre (type of text) in the first sentence of your answer. Be sure to answer ALL of the prompt questions and use SPECIFIC examples from the story as support for your answers. Read through your work BEFORE you submit it to make sure you have used correct spelling , punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.
In the short story "The Fun They Had" by Isaac Asimov, Margie and Tommy attend school through a machine in their homes, which bears similarities to the way students learn online today. One similarity is the use of technology for remote learning. In the story, Margie and Tommy have a mechanical teacher, which is a computerized device that teaches them lessons and asks them questions. Today, students often use computers or tablets to access online classes and complete assignments. For example, Margie's mechanical teacher gives her regular tests and record her scores, similarly, online platforms today often provide quizzes and grade assignments for students.
Another similarity is the lack of face-to-face interaction with teachers and classmates. In the story, Margie and Tommy do not have physical contact with their teacher or other students. Margie states, "Today, it was Monday and they had school. Margie always hated school." This suggests that school for them is a solitary experience, devoid of social interaction. Similarly, online learning can be isolating, as students may not have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions or participate in group activities.
However, there are also several differences between Margie and Tommy's virtual learning and the way students learn online today. Firstly, in the story, the mechanical teacher is a physical entity present in their home. In contrast, online learning today is often conducted through virtual platforms accessed on electronic devices. Secondly, Margie and Tommy's mechanical teacher is unable to personalize their learning experience. Margie mentions, "Sometimes, when she was doing fractions, the mechanical teacher had been adjusted to teach her the same way until she finally caught on." In comparison, online learning today often includes adaptive learning technologies that cater to individual student needs, providing personalized lessons and activities.
In 2155, it is likely that our modern-day schools will have changed significantly. One possible change is the increased integration of virtual reality (VR) technology in the classroom. Teachers may use VR devices to create immersive experiences for their students, allowing them to explore historical events or scientific phenomena firsthand. Additionally, with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual teachers and tutors could become more common. These AI entities may be able to adapt to individual student needs, providing personalized instruction and feedback. Furthermore, the physical spaces of schools may change, with traditional classrooms being replaced by interactive learning environments that utilize holograms and augmented reality (AR) to engage students in their learning.
Overall, while some aspects of Margie and Tommy's virtual learning system in "The Fun They Had" are similar to online learning today, there are also notable differences. Looking ahead to 2155, it is clear that the rapid advancement of technology will shape the educational landscape, transforming the way students learn and interact in schools.