HCNY Book Club

I attended the HCI - NYGH activities, also named as HCNY Book Club co-organized by the 2 schools, held at NYGH library on 4th March 2011. The main purposes of the activities was to cultivate interests in science fiction books, in which the end product was to come up with a powerpoint presentation on the chosen book to present to the rest of the participants after 6 weeks of work with the other students. Groups were formed with 2 from HCI and another 2 from NYGH. Besides the following aims, we aimed to foster good relationships with NYGH and hope to collaborate more in the future more activities. The 3-hour session was meaningful and thrilling, starting off with some icebreakers such as playing Wacko. Next, we proceeded to the library in our respective groups to search for our book, in which my group decided on “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Throughout the six weeks, all 7 groups have been working hard such as to show their best presentations for our second gathering, held at HCI on 29th April 2011. The various groups presented, with the content consisting of the summary, author, reflections and depictions of the technology. Throughout the event, besides the academic skills and learning points, we have learnt some moral values. Most importantly, to be a Hwa Chong gentleman since we were the hosts. During last year’s event, we had failed to behave like what a HwaChongnian should be like; however, there were contrasting attitudes. Although we have done well, there would always be room for improvement, such as to allow the event to be a resounding success.

In conclusion, it was a worthwhile experience in which we learnt more about the schools' curriculum and also know more about their library and how they function. By analyzing books, we are able to encourage better and deeper critical thinking which applies to AAT in HCI. The event was a success, bringing students from both schools together. In the hope of the future, the organizers are hoping to include another school, down Bukit Timah Road or up Dunearn Road to join this event and hope for resounding success the next time.