Q1: What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have? Did they like them?
Ans: Margie and Tommy had robotic teachers, which were different from the teachers of their time. They did not like them.
Q2: Why was Margie not doing well in geography? What did her mother do to help her?
Ans: Margie was struggling in geography because her mechanical teacher's geography sector was too quick. Her mother called the County Inspector to fix it.
Q3: Why did Margie get disappointed after the geography sector of her teacher was set right?
Ans: Margie hoped that her mechanical teacher would be taken away for repair, but she was disappointed when the County Inspector fixed it immediately.
Q4: How were Margie and Tommy assessed in their subjects?
Ans: Margie and Tommy were assessed through tele-assignments. They wrote their answers on punch cards and inserted them into the mechanical teacher for quick calculation of their marks.
Q5: Today Tommy found a real book! From where was the book found and why did it seem peculiar to him and Margie?
Ans: Tommy found an old book in the attic of his home. The book seemed peculiar to him and Margie because it was a physical printed book, unlike the telebooks they were used to.
Q6: Why did Margie hate school?
Ans: Margie disliked school because she had mechanical teachers and telebooks, which made the learning process monotonous. Her performance in tests was deteriorating, especially in geography.
Q7: How was the book that Tommy found different from his own books?
Ans: The book Tommy found was an old printed book, unlike their telebooks that were displayed on screens. The printed book could be read and then discarded, while telebooks had to be stored digitally.
Q8: Compare and contrast the futuristic schools in the story with the schools of today. Do you think the futuristic schools will be a reality?
Ans: The futuristic schools in the story differ significantly from today's schools. In the story, schools are located within homes, with a single mechanical teacher and no physical interaction or play. Education is mechanical and lacks the social aspect. In contrast, today's schools have dedicated buildings, human teachers, and provide a more interactive and social learning environment. Futuristic schools with online learning and digital platforms are already becoming a reality, but they may lack the holistic development and personal touch that traditional schools offer.
Q9: Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. Why did she do so? According to you, what makes a school a lovely place?
Ans: Margie's dislike for school deepened because of her mechanical teacher's unchanging and monotonous approach. A lovely school is characterized by a nurturing environment, interactive learning, engaged teachers, and peer interaction. Activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth contribute to making a school a delightful place for students.
Q10: "It’s not the little girl’s fault, Mrs. Jones. I think the geography sector was geared a little too quickly." What, according to you, was wrong with the geography sector? Can a machine be a good teacher?
Ans: The geography sector was geared too quickly, which means it was teaching the subject at a pace and complexity level that was beyond Margie's understanding. A machine can provide information and instruction, but it lacks the ability to adapt, empathize, and understand the individual needs of a student. Effective teaching involves not just conveying information but also guiding, motivating, and connecting with students on emotional and intellectual levels. Machines lack the emotional intelligence that human teachers possess.
Q11: Would you like to be taught by a mechanical or a human teacher? Why?
Ans: I would prefer to be taught by a human teacher. Human teachers bring empathy, adaptability, and a personalized touch to education. They can understand the unique needs of each student, provide emotional support, and create an engaging and interactive learning environment. A human teacher's ability to connect on both intellectual and emotional levels enriches the learning experience and promotes holistic development.
Q12: In which respect is your school system different from that of Margie? Which one do you like and why?
Ans: My school system differs from Margie's in several ways. My school has a physical building, interactive classrooms, human teachers, and opportunities for social interaction and extracurricular activities. Margie's school, on the other hand, is limited to a mechanical teacher within her home, lacking social interaction and variety. I prefer my school system because it provides a well-rounded education, fosters personal growth, and allows for meaningful interactions with teachers and peers.
Q13: ‘Machines can’t replace human beings.’ Explain this in 100-150 words in reference to the lesson ‘The Fun They Had’.
Ans: While machines have made significant advancements in education, they cannot replace human beings as teachers. The story 'The Fun They Had' illustrates the limitations of machines in education. Machines lack the ability to understand a student's emotional and cognitive needs, adjust their teaching methods, and provide personalized guidance. Human teachers offer empathy, adaptability, and a connection that machines cannot replicate. A good teacher not only imparts knowledge but also instills values, encourages critical thinking, and supports emotional development. The bond between a human teacher and a student is irreplaceable, making them essential for a holistic and effective education.
