1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?
We used twenty seven computers, cell phones, J98 radio station, cameras, Flip video recorder, The Daily Journal newspaper, OpenOffice Writer, VoiceThread, Google, Google Sites, Movie Maker, Picasa, Anime Studio Debut (animation), Jamendo (free music), Fotoflexer, Notepad, SchoolTube, YouTube, Moodle, Wordle, and Jing (screen capture).
2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.
We called and e-mailed several people. We had an e-mail interview with the Red Cross in St. Louis and learned how they operate to help others in the community. To be able to go to the Pet Adoption Center we had to call and set up an interview tour with Jayne Wibbels. She was very gracious and let us come and take a tour of the Adoption Center. For Season of Hope we had to contact Executive Director Al Sullivan. He came to our school for an interview and educated us about the organization where he works. Six of our classmates went on our local radio station, J98 the Boot, to talk on-air about our project. One of our team members had to contact parents and send home permission slips to get authorized parental permission to be part of our Season of Hope Voice Thread.. Also, by contacting the people working at the Help the Hungry Bake Sale, we were able to volunteer to work the sale. We have learned many public relation and communication skills while being ambassadors for our project.
3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?
As a class of fifteen eighth graders, we did our absolute best to have an extraordinary impact on our community. One of the biggest impacts we had on our community was being a part of Season of Hope. This year our class raised and donated over $500 for four families that couldn't afford the Christmas they wanted to give each other.Through the Season of Hope activity we supported them and purchased presents for them that really lifted their spirits. We hoped that it would really bring attention to how important it is to help people and how lucky some are to have a good Christmas with their family. We were lucky enough to be able to interview workers and volunteers of local organizations. We also volunteered at one of our local Help the Hungry Bake Sales. We spent several hours of our Friday evening setting up and pricing items for the sale. Then on that Saturday we spent the entire day actually working the bake sale. We worked as hosts for this event, and we learned how to cooperate and work with all different age groups in our community. The bake sale ended up raising an amount of over $21,400! By just being able to put a smile on people's faces is quite enough! Through our research, interviews, and deeds we believe and hope that we truly had an exceptional impact on our community.
4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?
We had some amazing people strongly supporting us this year. Our project depended on the information and research we gathered from various workers and volunteers throughout our community and everyone who trusted us to help the issued in our community. We really want to thank all the people, groups, and organizations that allowed us to interview them. We'd also like to thank all of the people who gave their time to help us including Jayne Wibbels from the Pet Adoption Center, Al Sullivan from Season of Hope, all the people at Help the Hungry Bake Sale, and the Red Cross. Our project wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for every single one of them. Our class would like to thank our teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who has guided, transported, and supported us. We're now not afraid to step out of our comfort zone and help those who need it. The local radio station and newspapers helped us promote our project, and we are very grateful for that. Last, we would like to thank our entire community for believing in us. Without participation and cooperation of the local citizens we wouldn't have been able to have the impact that we did.
5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)
We have discovered that sometimes working with a small group can actually be easier. We are one of the bigger classes from our school that has been a part of CyberFair. Sometimes it can be a difficult task to keep everybody focused and working at the same time. Although it wasn't easy, we overcame and got the job done without a lot of arguing. Through this project we have experienced what it is like to be at a job. We all had different jobs to do and a deadline to make for the final product. Communication, collaboration, and cooperation are three huge keys in getting the project done. We've discovered that we can make a difference in such a short time. We learned that even though we are young kids, we can have just as much as an impact as anyone else. Getting the opportunity to help people that need our help is something that we will all never forget. It will make us better citizens of our community in the future. There was a spark like emotion that poured out of each and every one of our team members when we realized how hard we pushed ourselves to achieve the goal in building hope for a better future. We are just very glad to be able to be a part of St. Paul Lutheran school where all the students, parents, and faculty do such a great job helping in whatever way they possibly can.
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