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SCMP Reporter

Pros and cons of computers in schools

As technology becomes more advanced, more people from all walks of life are using computers. However, the use of computers in school remains controversial.

There are many advantages to using computers in school. For instance, teachers can use computers  to prepare teaching aids.

I think teaching aids created on  computer rather than manually are easier to read and more attractive.  Good teaching aids raise our incentive to learn.

Computers can also be used to prepare a database so schools can be computerised.

But there are also certain drawbacks to using computers at school.

As teachers may not be very familiar with using computer software, it may take them a long time to make the teaching aids.

Also, if students are often exposed to computers, their eyesight may be harmed since prolonged exposure to computer screens can cause short-sightedness.

There are both advantages and disadvantages of using computers in schools.

But, if computers are used properly, the pros of using computers  will  win out over  the cons.

Wong Ka-ki

Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen  Yiu Memorial College

Government not that set on going green

Hong Kong's rapid economic development  means more and more buildings are being erected. The skyscrapers are blocking Hong Kong's efforts to go to green.

The government says it plans to green the city by planting trees and shrubs in as many pedestrian zones and road dividers as possible.

It is also promoting rooftop gardens. But I think these plans show the government is not very committed to greening the city.

To begin with, planting trees might not work because Hong Kong does not have enough open space with soil and there are many pipes underneath the ground that will limit the plants' growth.

Also, the buildings  block the sunshine so trees  will not thrive.

Also,  rooftop gardens might not work on tall buildings because plants may not be able to stand up to the windy conditions.

I think  the government needs to come up with further plans to green the city.

A Student

Don't aim for stick thin - it's unhealthy

Many girls fall prey to the idea promoted in fashion magazines that they should be stick thin.

But wanting to look like these models  is not healthy.  As we all know, people need sufficient nutrients to stay healthy.

We should  measure our weight according to our BMI, which is an index that compares your height to your weight.

It is a better measure of whether you are overweight or not than regular bathroom scales.

Most models of high-fashion brands would be considered underweight.

But seeing these slim women everywhere makes  some girls think that being thin  is equal to being beautiful.

I think this is dangerous. People come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

We should rather choose our clothes carefully to suit our bodies.

I believe everyone will be happier if they  accept themselves as they are.

Raymond

Maryknoll Fathers' School

Treasure the happy life you lead

Once, I met an old, one-legged beggar, who told me that her left leg was hurt in a traffic accident and it had to be amputated.

She used up all her money trying to save her leg, but it was all in vain.

She can't find a job, so she has to beg on the streets.

I feel so sorry for her because I have a happy life while she suffers.

We should be contented with what we have and not ask for extra things.

We should also not complain about our present life.

You may be quite poor now, but is still better than what many children around the world have.

Au Yeung Pui-ki

Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen  Yiu Memorial College

Be mature about sex

I'm writing in response to the news article about some university students who have vowed  to remain a virgin until they are  married (South China Morning Post, February 12).

In my opinion,  pre-marital sex for university students is acceptable.

Making love is not a sin. People need sex not only to release sexual desire or  have children. Sex is a  way for couples to express love for each other.

So, if a university student has a clear understanding of sex, and  has considered what will happen after having sex with their boyfriend or girlfriend, I think they should be allowed to do it.

But we have to be mature about the issue.

We also need to take precautions, such as using a condom.

Teenagers often have strong sexual desires, but I think young people should wait until they are older.

If a teen is feeling amorous, he should  drink a cup of cold water, then take a deep breath. If that doesn't work,  go to washroom and wash your face with cold water.

You could also try thinking about your homework or boring topics such as exams.

Andy Tse Wing-tat

King Ling College

Support band nights

There seem to be less evening events for teens these days.

There used to be  at least two shows a month for people of all ages -  band nights, for example. These events provide youngsters with an avenue to play and express themselves through song.

Underage band shows also inspire youngsters to pick up an instrument and they provide a safe venue with no alcohol.

But arranging an event like this takes a lot of money and effort.

Schools make a great venue for concerts as the rent is free and the only financial cost is that of renting the music equipment.

Schools should help and encourage their students to organise shows and offer financial support.

Band shows offer students an alternative to illegal underage activities. It is also a way to help motivate students  to become more productive both academically and socially.

Ben Gagnon

Politicians, stop talking, start acting

I'm writing in response to the article titled 'Rivals resume their popularity battle on the internet' (SCMP, March 3, 2007).

The two candidates vying for chief executive have turned to the Web to boost their popularity, as well as  have attended various forums and given a number of speeches.

But, will all the things they have been promising  be realised after one of them wins the election?

Boosting one's popularity by giving talks  is not very constructive. I believe that politicians should take action, and what they do is how they should be judged by  the people.

Taking advantage of speeches to attack another candidate is also bad mannered.

For example, Alan Leong Kah-kit once said that Donald Tsang Yam-kuen refused to take part in  a forum because Mr Tsang was afraid of him.

Politicians should do their job, not comment on others.

Stephanie Tsien

St Rose of Lima's College



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