Understanding the activity contents of School Cyberfair
Description of contents
1. Introduction to members and knowing each other
2. The teachers share the activity contents of School Cyberfair
3. Browsing previous School Cyberfair works
4. We are told to think about the topic of our research
Problems encountered and overcome
Every work of web page is refined and excellent. Is this the problem we are about to face? Are we dreaming? Or, the teachers are daydreaming? Wake up!
Research project report
2
Date of research
2011/9/27
Research duration
1 hour
Topic
Kuan-yu shares his family tree
Description of contents
The teacher asked one of our members, Kuan-yu Chen, to share his family tree, which is somewhat related to the creative family tree contest held by Taipei City Archives, which we participated in the last semester.
Problems encountered and overcome
In the beginning we had not a clue to how Kuan-yu Chen’s family tree was related to School Cyberfair. It was not until when he shared his family tree with us that we were dawned. Turns out that Kuan-yu’s family tree is not an ordinary one of paternity but that of his big family of martial art. Kuan-yu Chen is known as prince of martial art in Rixin Elementary School and is an official disciple in Ba-Ji-men. At that point, we wondered would the sly-headed teacher set Kuan-yu Chen as the Topic for the Cyberfair. What could we study regarding this schoolmate who we get along with every day? Or, was it Ba-Ji-men? Oh, no! I never heard of Ba-Ji-men, except Dorae-mon. So, the teacher wanted us to go through Kuan-yu’s family tree, which was already scanned in electronic form. Oh, dear! He was crazy! We were to study someone else’s family tree while we have not familiarized with our own!
Research project report
3
Date of research
2011/9/28
Research duration
1 hour
Topic
Discussing the possibility of Kuan-yu Chen’s family tree becoming a Topic
Description of contents
There were already various opinions as soon as the discussion started. But, we seemed to be unable to come up with any better Topic. Some even said to study Chien-ming Wang, or just ET.
Problems encountered and overcome
There was not much consensus on the Topic; so, our teacher decided to invite the Master of Kuan-yu to attend our next meeting. Good god! Get an old one, as if the younger one is not enough! Would he be the big figure in the sector of martial art?
Research project report
4
Date of research
2011/9/30
Research duration
2 hours
Topic
We had the honor to have Master Chen share Ba-Ji-men with us
Description of contents
Our teacher really did invite Master Chen to come to share the content of Ba-Ji-men. And masters are human being too, as we saw him walk in like everyone, while we had thought he would fly in with his skill. We had a major discovery today that Master Chen is Kuan-yu’s father. So, masters marry and have children, too!
Problems encountered and overcome
We thought Ba-Ji-men was really worth exploring, after Master Chen shared it with us. Such content was live and interesting! It seemed that our Topic was finalized just like that. We always doubted that the teacher had already decided to study Ba-Ji-men; it has been his scheme which we have followed without knowing it.
Research project report
5
Date of research
2011/10/3
Research duration
2 hours
Topic
Discussing the research framework and grouping
Description of contents
Since the Topic is decided to be Ba-Ji-men, we began discussing how to conduct the research. The teacher also helped us in grouping for us to search for Ba-Ji-men-related information.
Problems encountered and overcome
At first there was no consensus on the grouping, because too many persons liked to mingle and thus there were some fights. So, our teacher pulled us out of the classroom, individually, to bit ears. And when we came back, it seemed coordinated and we were grouped, partly reluctantly.
Research project report
6
Date of research
2011/10/5
Research duration
2 hours
Topic
Visiting the Martial Art Society of Rixin Elementary School
Description of contents
Led by the teacher, we visited the Martial Art Society of Rixin Elementary School. We saw the society members displaying the movements with serious look, which gave us an impulse to “fight”—well, not fight, but imitate. Turns out the Society’s leader is Master Chen; so, it appears that Ba-Ji-men has a close relationship with our school. No wonder our strange-minded teacher came up with the idea that we conduct this research in Ba-Ji-men.
Problems encountered and overcome
Can we amateurs really interpret Ba-Ji-men well? Would we screw it up? Well, I don’t know.
Research project report
7
Date of research
2011/10/3~2011/10/7
Research duration
5 hours
Topic
Summarizing the events and awards Kuan-yu has ever attended and won
Description of contents
We sorted all the events and awards Kuan-yu has ever attended and won and edited the contents in a Word document, in which we decided, after group discussion, to describe them chronically, with images alongside so that anyone gets a clear picture of the context.
Problems encountered and overcome
In the beginning we did not know how to sort the events, but, then as we focused on the best part, it gradually took shape.
Research project report
8
Date of research
2011/10/15~2011/10/21
Research duration
14 hours
Topic
Interviewing the Ba-Ji-Quan learners
Description of contents
We took photos and interviewed the Ba-Ji-Quan learners, who were mostly college students, at Rixin Elementary School. We saw many practicing the fist techniques in groups and invited some of them to assist us in taking photos and interview.
Problems encountered and overcome
Because there were a great variety of fist motions, it was difficult for us to decide which to take. Many different opinions came out of group discussion on that; so we decided to have a good discussion with the teacher.
Research project report
9
Date of research
2011/10/15~2011/10/21
Research duration
14 hours
Topic
Gathering information on Ba-Ji-men family tree
Description of contents
We searched for information, pictures at the library and on the internet before sorting it. For the missing part, we consulted Master Chen, founder of Wufong, to understand their stories. That completed our task of information gathering.
Problems encountered and overcome
We often came across articles written in classical style of Chinese when we gatherer information, which were a little difficult to translate into spoken Chinese. We asked Master Chen to explain it all; finally it was clear to us.
Research project report
10
Date of research
2011/10/22~2011/10/23
Research duration
8 hours
Topic
Searching for and sorting introduction to and history of Ba-Ji-Quan
Description of contents
We searched for the information about the introduction to Ba-Ji-men at the library and online. We needed to organize the information gathered into a document and type the information in Word document form.
Problems encountered and overcome
There were words we never learned and should be copied and pasted in the Word document, followed by finding their pronunciation. For the terms of fist techniques and weapons, those found on the internet differ, and we should look it up in the encyclopedia to verify; we had to find out the information that was written by most people. And, of course, we finally turn to Master Chen, Wufong founder, for answers, so as to check the correctness of the information we organized.
Research project report
11
Date of research
2011/10/24~2011/10/26
Research duration
9 hours
Topic
Sorting the information gathered on the family tree
Description of contents
We reorganized the pictures and text that we have gathered, before checking whether any content we missed. That completed this step.
Problems encountered and overcome
We often forgot where we put the gathered materials. But, later we decided to put them all in a same data file; and that took care of this problem.
Research project report
12
Date of research
2011/10/24~2011/10/28
Research duration
20 hours
Topic
Exploring the contents of Ba-Ji-men martial virtue
Description of contents
1. Why does Ba-Ji-men take martial virtue seriously?
2. How martial virtue is related to Benevolence, Righteousness, Etiquette, Wisdom, Creditability, Seriousness, Valiancy?
3. What precepts should one observe when he is a Ba-Ji-men member?
4. What has martial virtue to do with everyday life?
Problems encountered and overcome
Sometimes the related information founded on the internet was limited. We obtained more information after reading related books and discussing with Kuan-yu Chen.
Research project report
13
Date of research
2011/10/29~2011/10/30
Research duration
16 hours
Topic
Consulting Master Chen in the historical glory of Ba-Ji-men
Description of contents
When we consulted Master Chen in the historical glory of Ba-Ji-men, he told many events regarding the family tree and masters, which made my head almost blown.
Problems encountered and overcome
It took us many great efforts to make an appointment with Master Chen, as he has been very busy.
Research project report
14
Date of research
2011/10/31
Research duration
10 hours
Topic
Data confirmation
Description of contents
Now we have read out the information in text that has been organized. We revised the part that did not sound good and corrected the wrong words.
Problems encountered and overcome
There were some characters that were incorrect but not spotted because we have used them incorrectly all the times. It needed our schoolmates working together to check them out.
Research project report
15
Date of research
2011/10/30、2011/11/06
Research duration
32 hours
Topic
Taking photos of the motions of Ba-Ji-Quan learners using the weapons
Description of contents
We observed how the big brothers and sisters exercised with the weapons at Rixin and then we asked them, one by one, to demonstrate the use of sabers, lances, swords and staffs for our photography.
Problems encountered and overcome
We were not clear about the kinds of weapons at the first time of photography. We took a lot, with messy contents and later, when we realized that the big brothers did not practice the weapons every week, we had to make further appointments with them to proceed.
Research project report
16
Date of research
2011/11/1~2011/11/4
Research duration
10 hours
Topic
Sorting the materials of photography and interview
Description of contents
We went through the photos taken once more and sorted them; we transformed the recorded contents into a Word document.
Problems encountered and overcome
There were many terms that were Greek to us though we heard the tape again and again, and we did not know what we should put in words. The document was too big in size to upload to the United Network Center as our teacher designated. The problem was not solved until we compressed the document.
Research project report
17
Date of research
2011/11/7~2011/11/11
Research duration
20 hours
Topic
Ba-Ji-men’s Five No’s
Description of contents
1. What are Five No’s for fist practice? Are they related to martial virtue?
2. Is it necessary to observe the Five No’s to learn the fist techniques of Ba-Ji-men?
3. Asking Master Chi-wen Chen in the interview for explanation and taking records.
Problems encountered and overcome
Some difficult words or terms we came to understand only when we watched repeatedly the video of the interview with Master Chen that day.
Research project report
18
Date of research
2011/11/14
Research duration
18 hours
Topic
training at the Joint network center
Description of contents
In fact, we have used the United Network Center for a year; but there were still many questions about using the functions. To increase the efficiency of our data circulation and transmission, the teacher decided to spend some time exploring the use of Network Center with us. So, we were called back together to the computer classroom for re-education.
Problems encountered and overcome
In fact we have used the Joint network center for a year; but, we still have many questions of use. In order to increase the efficiency of our information circulation and transmission, our teacher decided to spend more time discussing with us on the use of the Center. So, we were called back the computer classroom to be re-educated.
Research project report
19
Date of research
2011/11/15~2011/11/18
Research duration
12 hours
Topic
Exploring the spirit of “Eight fights and eight no-fights”
Description of contents
1. What would happen if the Eight fights are used? And what about the Eight no-fights?
2. What is the purpose of “Eight fights and eight no-fights”? Are they related to martial virtue?
Problems encountered and overcome
In the beginning, we did not understand “Eight fights and eight no-fights” meant; but, we got the answer after we searched the information on the internet and Master Chen explained carefully.
Research project report
20
Date of research
2011/11/20
Research duration
24 hours
Topic
interviewing Wufong learners about their reflection on practice
Description of contents
We made a list of the questions to be asked of Wufong learners about their practice, followed by interviews taken at random. The Topic was to understand the changes brought about by practicing martial arts. During the interviewing, a recorder was used to record the sound and a camera was used to record what were they like when practicing.
Problems encountered and overcome
After the interview, we reorganized and typed the materials of interview. At first, I was nervous and afraid when doing the interview and my voice was very low and I kept looking at the record sheet, which had listed the questions, but my head was empty; I even repeated asking a same question. Little by little, I became better and not afraid any more.
Research project report
21
Date of research
2011/11/21~2011/11/22
Research duration
12 hours
Topic
Searching for and sorting the basic work and routines of Ba-Ji-Quan
Description of contents
Finding the basic work, routines, features, how to subdue the enemy and the spirit of Ba-Ji-Quan from information online, books and interviews.
Problems encountered and overcome
The fist techniques come in various schools. There is a lot of information, requiring identification as to whether it is correct. After the interview, it took summarizing and typing the information, which consumed much time.
Research project report
22
Date of research
2011/11/23~2011/11/24
Research duration
18 hours
Topic
Reorganizing the photos we took
Description of contents
We organized the photos taken earlier in categories according to the text and resized the photos that were needed, because the teacher reminded us all the time of the limitations to the capacity. Finally we combined the text and the photos. That was a tedious thing!
Problems encountered and overcome
There were some photos we had no idea how to choose. Besides, the confusion of order was also a problem, which needed consulting Kuan-yu’s father.
Research project report
23
Date of research
2011/11/25~2011/11/27
Research duration
48 hours
Topic
Creating animation in GIF format with the photos using the PhotoScape software
Description of contents
We have taken quite a lot of photos in series of fist techniques and weapons. At first we recorded a small footage, but in the end we found that just a few minutes of it already exceeded 100 MB in size. Hence, we used serial photos instead of video. We employed the image processing software (PhotoScape) to sort and convert the photos into animation, which presents the photos in a dynamic way.
Problems encountered and overcome
In the beginning when we shot the video, we had thought we could put them easily on the web page to show the full set of Ba-Ji-Quan techniques. But, later we found the files way exceeded. So, we further discussed and consulted old schoolmates who were more experienced in web page design before we decided to make animation from photos to solve this problem. Besides, that provided the fixed frame effect which the video would not have. We kept adjusting the file size, too, and changed photos often in case that the size would exceed and affect our production of web page.
Research project report
24
Date of research
2011/11/28~2011/11/29
Research duration
18 hours
Topic
Discussing the framework of website
Description of contents
The teacher said as a lot of information has been gathered and begun to be sorted, it was time to discuss the framework of the website. We, as a gang, organized the information gathered by each individually into outlines and shared with each other, with opinions exchanged, to confirm on the look of the framework of the whole website.
Problems encountered and overcome
We had started by grouping to gather the information, but when we came this far, we found the content of our group differed from that of the information to be gathered as intended in the beginning. So, in this discussion, we modified and confirmed the grouping and the website structure. This was referred to by our teacher as “hit and run”; he also mentioned that research was basically a dynamic process. How he could make sense!
Research project report
25
Date of research
2011/12/1~2011/12/2
Research duration
18 hours
Topic
Discussing and deciding in the tools for making the website
Description of contents
We analyzed and discussed the past works in the School Cyberfair we searched. Some page types were apparently made with Namo and some others may have to be done by Dreamweaver. Hence, we had to decide in which web page tool for completing our web pages, or, both.
Problems encountered and overcome
We, a bunch of kids, have learned Namo for half a year and Dreamweaver for a year with our teacher, but, to be frank, even he mentioned he was inexperienced himself; so, let alone us who were more inexperienced. However, surprisingly he said it was alright and we could do in the inexperienced way since we were so, because as long as we make readers feel that we mean it, the web page would be successful. That was relief. That is to say, the web page could be finished with our heart, couldn’t it? Certainly not! After we discussed for long time that day, we thought that Namo could not make people feel that we mean it; so, we mustered the courage to decide in Dreamweaver as our tool. I have to say we had the courage. Fortunately it was said that there were two Chen’s, Kuan-yu and Shih-han, were good at web page. So, we would depend on them for the rest.
