Chapter 01. Prose - The Fun They Had (Chapter Explanation)

Introduction

In the futuristic world of 2157, Margie and Tommy experience computerized education, with a personalized computer teacher in their study room. While exploring an old book found by Tommy, they yearn for the traditional schooling their ancestors had, with human teachers and interactive learning. Margie, dissatisfied with the mechanical approach, dreams of the fun and camaraderie of studying in a school with other children, under the guidance of a human teacher.

Detailed  Summary

The story begins with two kids, Margie and Tommy, in a future world where computers are everywhere. It explores how schools and classrooms have completely changed.

In the year 2157, Margie writes in her diary about Tommy finding a book that belonged to his granddad when he was a kid. They discover that in the past, people used to print stories on paper. As they read the book, the idea of turning physical pages seems funny to them because they're used to reading words on screens. They realize that, in the future, there will be no regular books—only "tale books" stored on TVs and computers.

The story takes an interesting turn when Margie and Tommy talk about schools. Margie finds out that schools used to be very different—they had human teachers. This surprises her because her teachers are robots. Margie doesn't like her school for several reasons. She doesn't have classmates, and there's no recess or playground. She and Tommy study in a virtual classroom with robotic teachers. Most importantly, her 'school' is right next to her bedroom and is filled with electronics, robots, and gadgets. She learns everything from computer software.

After experiencing her futuristic school, Margie starts thinking about the past. She wonders about the fun her grandparents had when they went to school. She imagines kids from different neighbourhoods happily going to school together. What really surprises her is that everyone in the past was taught the same thing. They helped each other with homework, and that camaraderie amused her. In the end, Margie is left wondering about the kind of fun her grandparents had in their schools, and she misses that sense of togetherness in her high-tech but lonely learning environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Fun They Had" reflects on the potential consequences of advancing technology, hinting at a future where mechanical devices might replace human teachers. The story explores the impact of digital education on the joy and communal aspects of learning that were once a part of traditional schools. As technology progresses, the narrative prompts readers to contemplate the potential trade-offs in the evolving landscape of education. 

Glossary

1. Rationalized: Made or expressed as a logical and consistent system; organized or planned rationally.
2. Robotic: Relating to or characteristic of a robot; automated or mechanical in manner.
3. Attic: A space just below the roof, often used for storage.
4. Scornful: Contemptuous; showing that you think something is worthless or deserving of disrespect.
5. Crinkly: Having many folds or lines; wrinkled or creased.
6. Beehive: In the context of the provided text, it doesn't seem to have a specific meaning. It might be used metaphorically or as a title for a section.
7. Loftily: In a superior or condescending manner; with an attitude of superiority.
8. Nonchalantly: In a manner that shows a lack of interest or enthusiasm; casually or carelessly.
9. Betcha: Informal contraction of "bet you," expressing confidence or certainty.

 Character Sketch

1. Margie Jones

Margie is an eleven-year-old girl who represents future students in the twenty-second century. She is a typical young girl who dislikes school, which is highly personalized and includes a television and a mechanical teacher. She studies in the comfort of her home. Her homework is checked by her mechanical teacher (a computer), and she also gets lessons from it. 

Margie does not like her school because she is confined to a room and has to study alone at a fixed time every day. Margie is a curious girl. When she finds a real book in Tommy's hands, she is eager to know about its contents. In fact, she wants to read the book herself. However, she is surprised that the book describes a school of the old times with real men as teachers, and classes were conducted in a special building. 

Margie in her room

She is fascinated to learn that, in those times, the students of the same level studied together. She concludes that the old system was much better as the students had so much fun studying together and could help each other.  Through Margie, the author has projected a contrast between the schools of today and the schools of the future.