The Fun They Had (Extra Credit) - Jihyun Park

The Fun They Had

Isaac Asimov

May 25th, 2014

Extra Credit

Jihyun Park

The Fun They Had is a short story by Isaac Asimov. It is about Margie in 2157. She goes to school but alone. She is taught by a mechanical teacher and reads from telebooks. One day, Tommy finds a book on paper and he tells Margie that in the past, school used to be a place children gathers to learn together from a human teacher. Margie thinks of the fun children in the past had and wishes to go to their school.

1. What are some of the positive aspects of school in 2157?

Some positive aspects of school in 2157 is that each subject is programmed to be most suitable for that particular student. Also, learning system is very organized since the teacher is mechanical, what it means by it is organized is that there are no confuses with assignments and facts, everything is straight forwards and strict. Another positive aspect is that it is almost like home school because you learn at home but you are taught by the mechanical teacher not your parents and not yourself, and also because you don't have to spend time going to school every morning, walking to school or riding a school bus or a car or a bike.

2. What do you think would be some of the drawbacks or downsides to school in 2157?

Some negative aspects of school in 2157 is that you learn alone. Great reason children go to school is their friends. The school can be a very fun place to learn when you are with your friends but without your friends the concept of learning for children is very boring and negative. Also, school is like the place where children learn how to interact with the others and be social. School in 2157 would result children to grow with flimsy social skills and would struggle in the society.

3. Which version of school do you think would be better? The version you have now, or the version Margie and Tommy have in 2157?

I think school today is better than the school in 2157. The reason is because of my friends. Going to school with friends makes it more fun and when you learn with friends, you can help each other. If I go to school in 2157, then I wouldn't be able to meet good friends and make good memories and I would hate learning because it is no fun.