next chalet venue: Republic of Singapore Yatch Club.

15 feb 2008. pls comfirm attendence via tagboard or jeanna/sinyan/zoe hp((:
further details will be given upon comfirmation((:

06s22!!! GOOD LUCK FOR A LEVEL RESULTS!!! wheeeee....

doubt many will be reading this but i'll probably change the class blog skin after exams. anyone has any ideas? =X

MUG ON ASSES. 2 more weeks to freedom. lets all scream at the top of our voice after PAPER 1!! no more schooling after that. anyone feeling depressed? WE ARE TOO OLD TO SCHOOL PEOPLE! oldies!

Recently there are a lot of weirdoes on our blog. 1st we have passerby(who apparently does not have a NAME!). 2ndly, we have >passerby(someone too bored till he encourages the passerby to reply!). 3rdly we have PROFESSOR MOODY TEACHING MAGIC HERE @ 06S22's blog(excuse me, this aint hogwarts. go gay with your old friend dumbledore!) NO WEIRDOES ALLOWED ! THANK YOU AND USE YOUR OWN NAME.

To what extent is it possible to replace a teacher with a computer?

It is not possible to replace a teacher with a computer to a large extent. There are just too many limitations that a computer has which render it incapable of teaching in many ways. For example, unless it is programmed to do so, a computer cannot fault a student for failing to paraphrase the question in an essay when writing the introduction. In the same vein, a computer cannot penalize a student for writing long, clunky sentences (by writing ‘LS’ for ‘Long Sentence’ or otherwise) – again, unless a code telling the computer to do so is built into its system. However, to give computers credit, they are able to spot spelling mistakes with an accuracy that is unrivalled, even by precision-guided missiles from the United States (though experienced teachers may give the computer a run for its money; ruthlessly attacking spelling mistakes by labelling it with ‘sp’ for ‘spelling’ and a ‘x10!’ to indicate to the student that he or she should do corrections ten times as penance for causing the teacher to waste his or her ink).

One feature that computers lack is physical interaction (with the exception of manhandling – students would probably prefer to avoid that). Having a teacher who adopts a more hands-on and personal approach to teaching would be more beneficial to students, as compared to a rigid regurgitation of facts and content. By engaging students in lessons, teachers can capture their attention and retain it throughout the entire tutorial. On the other hand, a computer would have to be equipped with sensors (to detect sleeping students) and a conduit to release mild electrical shocks (to rouse aforementioned students). In areas such as physical education and science practical lessons, computers will be of little use as well. With current technology, robots can only kick a soccer ball with the force of a five-year old. Humanoid robots in track events are also likely to be outstripped by passing butterflies. With such limitations, it would be not be viable for a computer to organize outdoor activities such as learning journeys to learn about food and heritage; to bring Marvel action figures to class (for lessons on mass media) or even four-hundred-dollar encyclopaedias (to interact with students in a somewhat spontaneous and refreshing manner).

While computers may be more than able in handling intricate mathematical problems and spewing out information, they are less adept at tackling broader subjects like General Paper. It is virtually impossible for a computer to gauge a student’s script using its programming solely (at least for now). It lacks two essential features that its human counterpart has – a heart (which allows for emotion and intuition) and a brain (which allows for unfettered imagination and greater flexibility). Essays which strike deep at the heart may not achieve the same effect on a mechanical marker, while a teacher may be able to empathize with the student and award higher marks accordingly. Similarly, a computer may not recognize the use of metaphorical language or satire, while a teacher may be more appreciative and again, award more marks accordingly. In this case, a computer cannot grade a script with the same precision that a teacher has. It may base its marking on mere contextual cues – for example, giving a script a high language mark just because it contains copious amounts of words with a high level of profundity. While computers are unlikely to be biased, there is also a chance that it might grade this essay with an abysmal score due to its seemingly critical view of computers – justified or not. On the contrary, teachers are thankfully safe from such prejudice (or at least, in this respect).



Indeed, the lack of a cerebral department present in humans is the bane of computers (or at least, with respect to their role in education). Marking issues aside, the human brain is an indispensable asset in the classroom. Teachers may regale students with personal stories and anecdotes that are occasionally outlandish and other times inspiring, but ultimately enjoyable. Such actions serve to create a bond between the teacher and the class – something that is unlikely to happen in the case of computers, no matter how much artificial intelligence may develop. Likewise, students can propose questions to the teacher and share their own thoughts on issues, thus sparking an erudite discussion. This intellectual exchange can bring life to a classroom and fuel a student’s passion for a particular subject or topic. A colourful subject that is fundamentally fascinating may turn banal in the “hands” of a pre-programmed computer. On the other hand, even a dull and vacuous subject may become a vibrant and enthralling lesson in the hands of a competent teacher.

However, computers do have some merit in the field of education. First and foremost, computers can store a veritable mountain of information (to the tune of several terabytes’ worth of data, though in reality storage capacity would have to be sacrificed for mobility). This essentially turns computers into “specialists” in every area (as paradoxical as it sounds) – something that is humanly impossible. Secondly, computers do not require rest (nor are they prone to falling asleep in the midst of a lesson) – a “weakness” that humans have (especially those in the process of maturing). This gives them an edge: for example, students can ply it with endless questions and expect a constant stream of replies. Furthermore, computers with greater horsepower will also be able to multi-task efficiently and devote its processing capabilities among multiple students. This gives rise to a third advantage that computers can offer to students – convenience and ease of accessibility. Students will be able to access information on their subject matter in a cinch, anytime and anywhere.

To sum up, computers do have a few laudable aspects. It offers several unique opportunities in classrooms that are made possible with technology. However, such benefits do not make computers a worthy replacement of “real”, honest-to-god teachers – if teachers can ever be replaced to begin with. I firmly subscribe to the notion that teachers are irreplaceable in classrooms. To the teacher who is (or will be) reading this: there are twenty two students who feel the same. One final attribute that sets teachers apart from computers: they celebrate an annual event on September 1 (or the day before to nitpickers), known as ‘Teachers’ Day’.

Happy Teachers’ Day from all of us at 06S22! :) (Written By Shiyang)


1075 words (an impossible feat in examination conditions)

Too Bad. We Missed Mr Kow...What a pity la. feel so accomplished with our artsy fatsy cards!

happy birthday to sin yan, jerilyn and terence, the july babies! =D

Hey Asses! Still mugging hard for tmr? Yes, tmr is a big big day. Carry on with your hard work Asses~!

So sorry. i need to unwind..so i came here to let everything out. thats all. "tootles"( is that how u spell it) Jeanna pls confirm...your language.

YO ASSES~! all must be mugging huh?

ok. i wanna say STUDY HARD ASSES! UNLESS U WAN TO BE A BAD AND STINKY ASS!

GOOD LUCk ASSES.

ok its some random post cuz i am too bored.