Meter meltdown
Physics homework a predicament
As a senior taking Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses, I was prepared to have more homework than the average student. Was I prepared to have a mental breakdown over a .02 meter difference? Not so much.
In the ever-changing world of technology, many tasks that were once done by physical means can now be done through a computer. Applying for college, shopping, paying bills: the list goes on and on. But when it comes to homework, convenience is overshadowed by frustration.
As I was in my room working on one of my numerous online physics assignments, I could not help but be a little flustered. With all of the formulas, conversion factors and various numbers, I was finding it difficult to focus. After a mind-melting brainstorming session, I suddenly came to an epiphany. Furiously writing and calculating, I put my pencil down and marveled at my final answer: 2.99 meters.
As I hovered over the submit answer tab, I held my breath, clicked the button and prayed for a miracle:
Incorrect.
Homework should remain on paper.
— Kendall Tipton
To say I felt angry is a gross understatement. With clenched teeth, I looked over my work once more, trying to find where I had possibly gone astray, but I came up with nothing. Thinking it might have been human error, I then examined my calculator, scanning for any signs of a miscalculation, a misplaced decimal, anything that could have kept me from getting the right answer. Still, there was nothing.
After a plethora of uneducated guesses, I ran out of attempts, and my correct answer flashed onto the screen for my studying enjoyment:
3.01 meters. I was off by a mere .02 meters.
Maybe it’s a bit overdramatic to say I felt cheated by my own homework, but that is exactly how I felt. The computer did not take all of my work, all of my formulas, all of the steps I took into consideration. I would have earned credit if my homework were done by hand.
It is a bit silly to expect the ever-changing world of technology to come to a complete stop, nor would I want it to. But homework should remain on paper.
Guten tag! My name is Kendall Tipton, and, as a senior, it is my first (and last) year on staff. When not in newspaper, I direct the band as senior drum major, compete in speech and debate events, and serve as Lieutenant Governor for Division 7/33 in...
Hello! My name is Tasha Brown. This is my second year on the newspaper staff and first year as Editor-in-Chief. I’m a senior at Canyon High. I’m a member of the National Honor Society, American Sign Language Honors Society and the Quill and Scroll...
Landon Work • Nov 8, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Kendall, I completely agree. Online homework is just inconvenient in every way. I spend many hours in strange positions trying juggle the keyboard, my calculator and my work. And then the computer won’t even take my answer.
Maisie Dyer • Oct 9, 2014 at 1:21 am
Kendall,
I enjoyed reading your blog post! It is simple, relatable and relevant! I recently analyzed an article about your same situation of virtual education only argued in the opposing voice! I must say your post makes the claims and reasons made by the professor’s article seem ridiculous, haha! Way to write! Keep it up!