The excerpt from "The Fun They Had" by Isaac Asimov , 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.)
In "The Fun They Had," Margie and Tommy attend school at home through a mechanical teacher, which displays lessons on a screen. Although this story was written before the advent of computers and the internet, there are some similarities between their remote learning experience and the way students learn online today.
One similarity is the use of technology for education. In the story, Margie and Tommy own a telebook, which is a mechanical device that displays textbooks and assignments on a screen. Similarly, today's students often use electronic devices like laptops, tablets, or smartphones to access online learning platforms and digital resources. Both Margie and Tommy, as well as contemporary students, engage with educational content through screens.
Another similarity is the ability to learn at one's own pace. In the story, Margie mentions that she can slow down the speed of the mechanical teacher if she finds the lessons too difficult. This flexibility allows her to grasp the material at her own comfort level. Similarly, online learning provides students with the option to pause, replay, or speed up videos, presentations, or lectures to adapt to their individual learning styles and needs.
However, there are also noticeable differences between Margie and Tommy's home education and the way students learn online today. One major difference is the lack of interactive learning experiences. Margie and Tommy's mechanical teacher is a one-way communication tool; it only displays information and asks questions, without engaging in discussions or providing real-time feedback. In contrast, online learning today often incorporates interactive elements such as discussion forums, video conferences, or virtual classrooms, where students can collaborate, participate, and receive immediate feedback from teachers or peers.
Furthermore, Margie and Tommy's education in the story seems to be isolated and devoid of social interaction. Margie mentions that she has no classmates, and she misses the social aspect of going to a traditional school. In contrast, online learning today offers various opportunities for students to engage with their peers, such as group projects, online forums, or chat features within learning platforms. Students can connect, collaborate, and build virtual communities, which adds a social element to the remote learning experience.
Overall, while there are similarities between Margie and Tommy's remote education and the way students learn online today, such as the use of technology and self-paced learning, there are also notable differences in terms of interactivity and social engagement. Online learning has evolved to incorporate more collaborative and interactive elements, providing students with a more immersive and engaging educational experience.