1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?
1. Telephones:Contact team members and interviewees 2. TV:Collect materials 3. Recorder, Recorder pen:Record the interviews 4. Digital camera, video camera:Film the process of activities and visits 5. Scanner:Scan the pictures into digital files 6. CD player, DVD player:Play films 7. Computer software:Word, Excel, Photocap, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, Nero, Media Player, etc. 8. Computer:Surf the Internet and process research result 9. Library:Collect information 10. Newspaper, magazines:Collect information 11. Interviews:Collect information
2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.
1.Ambassador of palm cultural art:Nowadays, TV and multimedia are prevalent, and outdoor hand puppetry performance is gradually in decline, so we are worried about its future development. It would be a pity to lose this traditional art. On this account, we act as the “Ambassador of Hand Puppetry” in this Cyberfair project. We expect that more people can pay attention to it in the future, as well as learn and appreciate it so that this traditional art can be carried on. 2.Ambassador of school education:We held a series of educational and promotional activities for hand puppetry on campus, including puppet DIY, subject course, club activities, public performances on campus, off-campus teaching, etc. We hope that our efforts can continue and then influence other schools to join, and act as the “Ambassador of School Education”. It is our dream that hand puppetry can have more opportunities to be inherited and developed. 3.Ambassador of community survey and promotion:Most modern people watch TV at home for entertainment so international interactions are less frequent. In the past, during the agricultural development period, people often gathered at temple fairs as social activities. In order to promote hand puppetry, we conducted a survey to investigate people’s perceptions of hand puppetry, and held public performance in the community. By our efforts, the interaction between the local residents has become more frequent, and they know more about hand puppetry.
3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?
To complete this Cyberfair project, we have devoted a lot of efforts and time, while gaining various new experiences. Many people have watched hand puppetry, but never held one, let alone making a puppet. This is a unique experience. Our school offers the Native Language (Minnan) course, but many students still do not speak well. After they learned about hand puppetry, their Minnan proficiency greatly improved. After we have watched the hand puppetry performance, when we the TV shows that mix Mandarin and Minnan, we find Minnan to be such a graceful language. Our survey found that hand puppetry still has much room for improvement. We hope that more people can appreciate it, and promote it in the future.
4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?
In the modern age of knowledge economy, success of a team does not rely on the capability of the group members, but whether the team could cooperate and seek for support and assistance. The teachers have adhered to the idea and encouraged the team members during the research process. Because of this, we have spent much time on the interviews, besides searching for information and resources. We want to learn from the masters, and we have indeed learned so much. We are very graceful to the masters who have spent their time to assist us. On the other hand, we have cultivated good etiquettes and interview skills after repeated practices on politeness, demeanor, and articulation. We want to show the best part of us to the other person, which is also a kind of politeness.
5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)
Many things seem easy, but you will find that they are difficult. This applies to hand puppetry, as well as the Cyberfair project. In order to collect information, we went through much hardship, and worked indefatigably day and night. We experienced the sweetness and bitterness of this project by heart. However, this Cyberfair project allowed us to break through ourselves to accomplish the impossible mission. We have profoundly understanding of Mr. Hsiao’s motto: “Practice makes perfect; as long as we insist to not give up, we can certainly breakthrough ourselves.” In regard to Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises in this project, we have made in-depth analysis. Actually, most people still support the development of hand puppetry, and want to watch outdoor performance. The promotion of hand puppetry requires more efforts, and we certainly want to see it grow.
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