School: Kang Chiao International School-Linkou campus(JH)
    New Taipei City, N/A, Taiwan

7 students, ages 12-14 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 8, 2024. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2023,2022,2021,2020

Classes and Teachers: Chun-Huang Yang, Ho-Chin Chen, Chih-Yin Chang, Feng-Tseng Kuo, Hao-Yo Wang, Peng-To Kung, You-Ting Lin, Ellen Kuo, Ren-Jing Lin, Yi-Shiun Lee, Yung-Hua Zhuang, Jyun-Jie Wu, Yiyun-Chen

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://https://web.kcislk.ntpc.edu.tw/en/

1. Description of Our Community

Our community is a lively group in located Linkou, Taiwan. We make up of students from an international school, making our clutures in the community diverse and exciting. We all share an interest in Taiwan's elections and politics. Whether we're talking about how elections work or getting involved in campaigns, we're always eager to learn and make a difference. Elections in Taiwan are a fervent democratic activity, significantly impacting local history. Over different periods, elections have been pivotal events affecting economic well-being. Each period sees different policies shaped by the leaders elected, influencing our lives for decades, if not longer. As we delve into these details, we realize there's much more to explore and study about the topic of elections. Hence, we have chosen this theme for further research.Being close to Taipei lets us explore the most active and competitive election activities and take part in civic events. From attending events to interviewing, we're actively engaged in our society. Overall, our community is a local but members from different backgrounds come together to learn, share ideas, and be part of Taiwan's democratic spirit.

2. Summary of Our Project

Taiwan's election culture is vibrant and dynamic, characterized by frequent and fiercely contested elections occurring every four years. With nearly 100 political parties actively engaged in political activities, the landscape is diverse and multifaceted. Despite the multitude of parties, three major parties dominate the parliamentary seats, reflecting the complex political dynamics at play. Elections in Taiwan are not merely competitions for power; they are also reflections of the collective will and aspirations of the Taiwanese people. As such, understanding the nuances of Taiwan's election culture and its operational mechanisms is crucial. Coincidentally, our project coincided with Taiwan's presidential election, providing us with a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the electoral process. By actively participating in campaign events and witnessing the live vote counting during the presidential election, we gained firsthand insights into the intricacies of Taiwan's electoral system. These experiences allowed us to delve deeper into the research indicators of Taiwan's elections, enriching our understanding of its complexities. In addition to our active involvement in campaign activities, we conducted interviews with legislators to explore their roles and experiences in the electoral process. Through these interviews, we gained valuable insights into the service content of legislators and the historical significance of their participation in elections. Overall, our engagement in Taiwan's electoral process has provided us with invaluable insights into the country's election culture and its operations. Through firsthand experiences and interviews, we have deepened our understanding of Taiwan's vibrant democracy and its impact on society.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:not sure

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:4-6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

In the course of developing our project, we faced several notable challenges. A significant hurdle arose due to the timing of Taiwan's general election, set for January 13th. This tight schedule made it particularly difficult to reach out to the candidates we intended to interview, especially in the three months leading up to the commencement of their campaign activities. Consequently, we found ourselves with only one opportunity to conduct interviews, necessitating us to make the most of this singular chance to pose our inquiries. Moreover, our project work is constrained to one session per week, which significantly limits our time for project advancement. This constraint underscores the importance of close collaboration among team members to efficiently tackle the tasks assigned during each class session. Additionally, the randomness of candidate information updates poses a continuous challenge, contrasting with the fixed schedule of our class sessions. This situation requires us to maintain a vigilant effort to stay abreast of the latest developments, akin to the diligence of a journalist. During our weekly class sessions, we actively engage in discussions about recent events, scour the internet for election-related information, and meticulously sift through numerous data points associated with political party positions. It is imperative for us to exercise caution to avoid any bias towards particular political parties and instead ensure that we present the data in a neutral and unbiased manner. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to the success of our project and are determined to navigate through these obstacles with diligence and perseverance.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Taking part in team activities, conducting research, interviewing people, cross-referencing what we've learned, engaging in group discussions, and creating materials have profoundly influenced our learning journey. These experiences went beyond the traditional classroom setting, providing us with practical insights and skills. Through collaboration, we sharpened our ability to work with others effectively. Researching and interviewing taught us how to find and evaluate information. Group discussions enhanced our critical thinking skills by exposing us to different perspectives. Participating in events like CyberFair was particularly impactful. It not only helped us refine our presentation skills but also expanded our knowledge base. Looking ahead, we're eager to continue building on these experiences, laying a solid foundation for our future endeavors and lifelong learning pursuits.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

In the course of our endeavors, we've discovered the immense value of gathering information and refining our English translation skills. As we delved deeper into the realm of elections, we found ourselves not only broadening our knowledge but also fostering meaningful connections with others. Interacting with legislators and immersing ourselves in political research have been pivotal aspects of our expedition. By harnessing the power of the internet for data collection, we've unlocked a treasure trove of information that has proven to be far more efficient than traditional inquiry methods. Skillfully integrating this wealth of knowledge, we've meticulously rectified errors and continuously honed our work, driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Throughout our endeavors, we've recognized the paramount importance of acquiring information and refining our English translation skills. These efforts have been complemented by a deepening understanding of elections and the cultivation of interpersonal relationships. Our exchanges with legislators and extensive research into political backgrounds have further enriched our comprehension of the electoral process. In particular, leveraging the internet for data collection has revolutionized our approach, significantly enhancing our efficiency and enabling us to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy. With dedication and perseverance, we've skillfully woven together diverse insights, corrected any discrepancies, and maintained an unyielding commitment to excellence in all facets of our journey.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

To complete this Cyberfair project, we used a variety of tools and technologies to assist us in overcoming obstacles and completing the project. The most common tools we used were our computers and tablets. These were necessary for us to record, plan, and write every part of our project. For instance, we had to go online to multiple websites to research the political environment in Taiwan and the history of politics in Taiwan. On the other hand, during our interview with Legislator Hong, we had to use our tablets to record the conversations and use our computers to take notes of his responses to our questions. It may be said that our computers and tablets, which we use to write every part of our project, are the most valuable and helpful tools for us when completing our project. As mentioned above, the interview was also essential for this project. We used this interview to learn more about the knowledge and experiences of being a legislator and an election candidate in general in Taiwan. Finally, our phones were essential too. We used our phones to take photos, videos, and notes of our interview with Legislator Hong and our visit to the Legislative Yuan. To conclude, our phones, tablets, and laptops are the most important and helpful tools for us throughout our process of completing this project.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

As a team of ambassadors, we scheduled several interviews and visits to gain knowledge about the Taiwanese political environment. This includes our in-person interview with Legislator Hong of New Taipei City and our visit to the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan. The interview with Legislator Hong back in the Winter of 2023 was one of the most essential and contributional events throughout our timeline of completing this project. To begin, although we were noticed very suddenly before the interview, our questions were well prepared and our group members effectively recorded our desired results. We inquired about strategies to win an election in Taiwan, his experiences in the political field, and the average budget and spending of election candidates. He kindly and concisely detailed his answers, which made the interview more than beneficial for us and contributed to our project, as we were talking in person with an experienced professional on our topic. On the other hand, our visit to the Legislative Yuan was another fruitful experience that was essential for our research. Previously, none of our team members had had an opportunity to visit the Legislative Yuan, which made the tour an interesting experience outside of contributing to our project alone. We were guided around the Legislative Yuan by a passionate tour guide who taught us more than we expected. We started our tour with the tour guide highlighting the structure and history of the Legislative Yuan building. Although this wasn’t part of our expectations, it was interesting to have learned about the building itself. We were then presented with a digital presentation by the tour guide in a guest room that occasionally hold visits from foreign political visitors. The presentation detailed the roles of the Legislative Yuan and the legislators while explaining the entirety of the political system of Taiwan.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

Creating this project is essential to ensure that more individuals grasp the intricacies and importance of elections in Taiwan. Elections hold a pivotal position in the democratic landscape of Taiwan, embodying the core principles of democracy. In a nation that cherishes freedom and democracy, elections stand as the cornerstone for citizens to actively participate in governance and make choices that shape the future of their country. Every election season is marked by fervent campaigning and the nail-biting process of tallying votes, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Taiwanese people to democracy. Through this project, our objective is to disseminate the essence and zeal of democracy to a broader audience, cultivating a deeper understanding and admiration for Taiwan's electoral traditions. We aspire to illuminate the significance of democracy as a driving force behind Taiwan's continuous advancement and growth. By raising awareness about the enduring importance of democratic values, we aim to inspire individuals to actively engage in the democratic process and contribute to Taiwan's ongoing prosperity. Through education and outreach, we hope to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in safeguarding and promoting democratic ideals, ensuring a brighter future for Taiwan and its citizens.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

During our investigation, we proactively approached a local legislator to be our interviewee. Prior to the interview, we collaboratively brainstormed questions and carefully selected the most pertinent ones. This process ensured that we covered all relevant topics and maximized the value of our interaction with the legislator. To prepare for the interview, we conducted practice sessions at our school, refining our interviewing skills and ensuring a smooth conversation flow. In addition to our preparation, we enlisted the support of senior students from the school student union to accompany us during the interview. Their presence provided additional perspectives and support, enriching our overall experience. Furthermore, our teacher provided us with an interview question sheet ahead of time, allowing us to individually choose questions aligned with our interests and objectives. Following the interview, we meticulously organized the information gathered, meticulously reviewing each detail and transcribing the recording into written text. This process allowed us to distill key insights and findings from the interview, facilitating deeper analysis and interpretation. Overall, our approach to the interview process was comprehensive and collaborative, ensuring that we maximized the value of our interaction with the legislator and effectively captured and documented the information obtained.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

During our interviews with legislators, we gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan's electoral culture. Our discoveries revealed numerous intriguing stories within politics. From candidates' campaign strategies to voters' motivations, each aspect reflects the diversity and richness of Taiwan's political landscape. These stories not only provide insights into how politics operates but also showcase the cultural characteristics and values of Taiwanese society. Through these findings, we have gained a better understanding of how democratic elections function in Taiwan and the various dynamics and interactions involved. This exposition has also taught us the importance of teamwork. Throughout the process, we had to collaborate to solve problems, communicate with each other, and ensure the smooth completion of tasks. This experience deepened our understanding of teamwork and communication skills, laying a foundation for future endeavors. One surprising revelation was the stark contrast in demeanor: while MPs often appear fierce during televised interrogations, they exude approachability and warmth in personal interviews. This dichotomy highlights the performative nature of televised politics versus the genuine interactions that occur behind the scenes. Through these encounters, we gained insights into the multifaceted nature of Taiwanese politics, where public perception often diverges from private personas, showcasing the complexity and nuances inherent in the electoral process.