Presentation Responses II

Ashley, Kieran, Jonathan, Lauren
When Ashley mentioned about the “face-to-face communication is decreasing because of the increased use of online communication” is considered a negative effect of technology. I think this point depends on which angle you are looking at. I personally think that less face-to-face interaction is not a “bad” thing because online communication seems to create a boarder/protector for some of the younger children. There are many strangers out there who are seeking for chances in order to take advantage of the innocent children through cyberspace. However, those kids can choose to not meet with them, and prefer to chat with those strangers online only. So, I think the point of less face-to-face communication is a negative effect for technology is not necessary a negative effect.

Isabelle, Adam, Kate, Graham
I was shock when two of the members in your group dislike this novel and gave a powerful presentation of how much you two hated “The Innocent Traveller”. I enjoy reading this novel and I learned a lot from it; for example, when Mrs. Porter was able to live on after her husband left her, it reminded me of how powerful a woman can be. This novel not only gave me confidence in myself, but also allowed me to see woman in a different point of view. I think a novel does not necessary have to have a something huge to happen in order to emphasize the meaning of literature. Sometimes, even with a small event that happens in the novel is enough to evoke the reader. I certainly do not agree with the “100 years = nothing happens” because I can see how hard it is for Topaz to keep up with her optimism through out her whole life. Do you think it is really that easy to be happy everyday and not care about anything else?

Fahad, Nathan, Brazil, Francesca
I have thought of irony when I first read “Hey Nostradamus!” because it was obvious that Cheryl was killed in the massacre on the only day that she went to the cafeteria. Many stories use irony for purpose; for example, create a conflict or a huge event. I cannot relate myself to this novel because I cannot adapt myself into the characters. I cannot imagine what I will do and how I will handle it if the massacre happens to me. I also agree with Nathan about how he thought of Reg because I felt the same way, too!