1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?
(a) Desktop PC, Notebook PC – These were used to create and edit websites.
(b) Telephone – It was used to reach teachers, parents, team members, industry people, government offices, and customer service.
(c) Recording Pen – It was used to record interviewee’s words, as well as voice reminders for ourselves.
(d) Conventional Camera, Digital Camera, Digital Camcorder - These were used to record the entire production process, as well as record our field trips.
(e) Television - It was used for newscasts and related special reports.
(f) Monitor - It was used to view briefings and the videos that we recorded.
(g) Scanner - It was used for scanning pictures and photographs.
(h) Computer Software – (1) WORD2000 - Word processing (2) Dreamweaver MX - Webpage creation (3) Flash MX - Make animated pictures (4) Adobe Photoshop CS - Image processing (5) Adobe Illustrator CS - Illustration for images (6) SwiSHmax - Special effects for texts of title and first page (7) PHOTOIMPACT 8.0 - To edit drawings, photos, and pictures (8) Ulead GIF Animator 5 - Producing photo animation (9) WS-FTP95LE - To transmit data files (10) MS-IE6.0 - Searching Internet information and check results (11) ACDSee32 - Browsing pictures (12) MS-Outlook Express - Sending and receiving e-mails
(i) Library, Cultural Center - We searched for needed information in these places.
(j) Museum - It was used for collecting information and conducting interviews.
(k) Books, Magazines - These were used to search for and double-check information.
(l) Newspapers, Media - These were used to collect articles relating to the main topic.
(m) Verbal Interview - The most treasured information came from the oral narratives of related individuals.
2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.
(1) Participation - We have given ourselves the roles of cultural historians, with the hope of recording the texts and images of Houli’s saxophone industry for the past sixty years. In order to obtain the most realistic information, we have tried to arrange for our team members to participate in the events of local industry, so we could come into contact with the industrialists face-to-face. When we met with the government officials and the industrialists for the first time, we told them that we are the students at the Taichung County Ming-Dao High School, and we interviewed them because of our participation in the cyberfair for Taiwan’s schools. Many of the interviewees became intrigued by this research project, and they would inquire about this cyberfair event. We gave them the website so they could go see it for themselves. We also told them that, according to the Guinness World Records, this is the largest grass-root website competition.
(2) Promotion - We are using the website to promote Houli’s saxophone industry both to people inside and outside of our school. We are recommending this fine musical instrument to the brass instrument club of our school. We told them that when the former president Bill Clinton of the U.S. visited Taiwan, our president Chen gave president Clinton a Houli’s saxophone as a present, to show everybody that Houli’s saxophone has entered the main stage of international affairs.
(3) Mass Media - We have submitted several articles to various major media to inform them about the contents and news of the press release conference of saxophone industry innovation. Our hope is to gather the attention of the public about this local-specific industry. Because of the accuracy of our topic, we have gained the friendly cooperation of the media, as they published our articles.
3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?
It is incredible that a fire-damaged saxophone could mark the beginning of a local industry for the global market. It has become one of the most significant accomplishments for this country in the past sixty years. This is unquestionably the result of determination and perseverance intertwined with a little luck and coincidence. But how did they create this musical miracle without their firm resolve? After studying the history of Houli’s saxophones, the biggest impact it gave us is that “everything is accomplishable with enough will”. We have learned that, with enough efforts, success will always come at the end. We have also changed our attitude toward everyday things, and learned to turn peril into opportunities.
4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?
(1) Minister of Economic Affairs, Ms. Ho Mei-yueh; Director of Industrial Development Bureau, Mr. Chen Chao-yi; Director of Ministry of Economic Affairs Mid-Taiwan Office, Li Chong-chin - During the press release conference of saxophone industry innovation, we learned about the assistance our government is giving the local industries. The goal is to continually research and develop new products, so they could always better themselves.
(2) ITRI/MIRL, Ms. Tsai Shiu-ru - She patiently answered all the questions we had, and she provided the data and pictures that we requested, so that we could complete our research project on time.
(3) Houli Saxophone Industrialists - From the history to the explanation of musical instrument to playing instruction, the saxophone industrialists taught us everything they know, which enabled us to learn a great deal about saxophones.
(4) Diapason Saxophone Quartet - They were very generous in supplying the music that they played in the National Music Concert Hall, called “Loves Greeting”, to be used as our background music.
(5) Rigel Arts, Ms. Josephine Lin - “Rigel Arts” is the only professional agency of Jazz music in Taiwan. Ms. Lin was very nice to supply the pictures and information about Jazz to us.
(6) Local Elders - They tirelessly introduced to us various points of interest and places to eat local-specific snacks. The information they provided for us is really invaluable, which is why they are the treasures of the town.
5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)
(1) Discovering the Harmony of Humanity and Technology - Humanity could showcase an area’s unique quality, and technology could extend the life of the industry. Together they could highlight an area-specific industry. We had discovered that Houli’s saxophone industry is drawing on this town’s rich humanity and combine it with a traditional type of industry, as well as modern technology. This is an exciting discovery, because it combines the essence of the old with the new, so that the humanity is not just about the past, and the technology is not just about the modern days.
(2) The Lesson of Teamwork - In the old days, people were used to working alone, trying to do everything behind closed doors. As a result, they were not able to keep up with the fast-changing world. Now people are beginning to realize that the only way to survive is by teamwork, combining the individual efforts into a common goal of the team. This research project has taught us a lesson in that “strength comes from teamwork”.
(3) The Surprise of Strong Vitality - Faced with the challenge posed by China and other developing nations, Houli’s saxophone makers use innovation and improved quality to fend off the competition, giving them a second wind. We are both amazed and touched by their display of resiliency. This is the best interpretation of life’s vitality.
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