The new iPhone 7: Top 4 Features

Everybody is talking about the new iPhone 7 but this time, it is not something that everyone is excited about. Perhaps only the hardcore fans of Apple will feel excited because some of the new features offered in the new iPhone 7 is really new (for Apple) but it is common in the world of Android users.

Firstly, the emphasis is on 'Black, jet black finishes'. 
Well, the origin of the mobile phone is in black anyway. I remember my first Nokia 8110 which was featured in the movie "Matrix" was an all black phone which was built with the "human technology" in mind. So, Apple is taking a bold move to go back to the classic and premium feel of black, a color that never fail. Excited? I don't think so.

Screenshot from Apple's Official Website. Source: http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/

Second, it is the "Splash and Water Resistance". 
Hmmm, anything new? Not really if you are already an Android user, especially Samsung or Sony. More phones are promoting active outdoor usage with a tougher built for users with out-going lifestyles. Even for some users who are not into extreme outdoor activities, having a water resistance smartphone can be useful when it is needed (maybe when a phone drop into the toilet?) Hence, water resistance is becoming a good-to-have feature for higher-end smartphones. I think Apple fans will be very excited about this but for an existing Android user, will this make them to switch to iPhone 7? (I don't think so).

Screenshot from Apple's Official Website. Source: http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/

Third, Two cameras that shoot as one (only available on iPhone 7 Plus).
Two is better than one? I am not a professional photographer so I cannot comment much about the quality of the dual camera with telephoto lens. We will have to wait for some reviews or comparison tests from the specialist like Techradar, CNET or Android Authority. We have also seen the use of dual-camera on some Android-based smartphones, with the latest model in the market that collaborated with Leica too. Perhaps this is the trend and will become more common in the near future.
Anyhow, the question is are you excited for a two cameras and it is only available if you purchase the iPhone 7 Plus, which will cost much more? To me, I am not so sure if it worth the money.

Screenshot from Apple's Official Website. Source: http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/

Lastly, The EarPods and AirPods
Okay, the new EarPods uses Lightning connector. Which means that you will not be able to use your EarPods while charging or vice versa. It is good that iPhone 7 still comes with the 3.5mm headphone jack adapter (wait, adapter? Then what is the point...). I personally feels that the Airpods design looks weird, especially looking at the picture shown on Apple's official website. Also, I think a careless person like me might lost the AirPods easily, unless it has a sensor or something that tells me I am away from the Pods if I have dropped it/misplace it somewhere. Well, maybe that's just me.

There are still a list of features that Apple is shouting about the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus but I think the most significant features are these four. The overall design looks the same like iPhone 6 so it is not worth mentioning. After going through the Tech Specs on the website, I personally don't see the 'Wow-factor' and I am looking forward for the iPhone 8 perhaps.

What say you?

Top 5 Weaknesses in Students' Answers

As an examiner, I would like to point out some of the most common weaknesses in students' answers that can be avoided. These are the top 10 weaknesses in students' answers:

1. Fail to plan and prepare for the answer
The reason of showing the marks allocation on each of the exam question is to allow the student to plan for their answer. A question with 10 marks will need more points or depth of discussion as compare to question with 2 marks which requires brief explanation. The length of the answer may varies according to the marks allocated. This will reflect on time management too (this is why many students always complain that they do not have enough time to complete their answers in the final exam).

2. Do not pay attention to the question verbs
All examiner who set exam questions need to comply with the Bloom's taxonomy according to the level of the paper. Various verbs can be used to assess different level of intellectual which requires different answers. Failing to provide what the question verbs require will result in poor answer. For example, lower level verb like 'define' is just to give meaning of a term whereas 'discuss' is to examine in detail by using arguments for and against.

3. Writing down all you know
Some student do not bother with the scope of the question asked but rather look at a few keywords in the questions. With that, they will provide the answers based on what they know about these few keywords and give long lists or writing down all they know about a the subject area,  without caring whether it is relevant or not. Hence, the student may thought that they have answered all the questions completely and did a good job in the exam but will not get the marks as they are forcing irrelevancies into answers. (Hey! examiners do read your answers before awarding marks. We don't just look at quantity but 'QUALITY' of your answer).

4. Repeating and duplicating the same answer
Please note that when examiners set the question paper, they will have to map out the question according to course learning outcomes. Which mean that each question in an exam paper will be assessing on a specific topic. Each question will not overlap with another or repeat the same topic or area. Therefore, if a student is repeating the same answer/material in different parts of answers, it shows that there are limited knowledge and understanding of the course; mainly focusing too narrowly on one area.

5. Only theories and concepts
In social science, students are taught to be practical and able to apply what they learn at real working environment. Although the fundamentals and principles which covers theories and concepts are important, most of the exam questions would assess on the application or practicality of the learned theories and concepts. This make more sense to have essay or case study questions in the exam. As stated in Weaknesses No.2, many exam questions with more marks allocated requires student to not just to state the theories or concepts by to apply them with illustration or examples.

There you go, the five most common weaknesses that I think can be improved. With this feedback, I look forward to see better exam answers from my own students.

To all learners, all the best!