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 * media type="file" key="Changing Identity.swf" align="right" width="360" height="270"Music, Literature, and Technlogy Have the Power to Influence Change! **

There is no question about it. Throughout the course of American History, the vehicles of music, literature, and technology have transformed our nation's identity. With each shift in eras, we see cultural, social, and historical transition. Someone's identity can be changed based on outside influences. This is true for America. This is also true for our school.

Here's the equation: // why + how = a change in identity //. If we understand the reasons (the why) music, literature, and technology have influenced American Identity in the past, then we can develop strategies (the how) to make a positive change in the identity of our school.

Are you ready to change our school? Let's go for it! (Perales, "Changing Identity") **

Part I: We decided to survey students in our school to see how you feel and what you think about music, literature, and technology, the way that they are used in our school, and the changes you would like to see. Your responses were overwhelming! You did your part, and we listened! We compared and considered your observations, reflections, suggestions, and requests. Because you are all individuals, of course, your responses varied greatly from one another, but there were some consistencies that cannot be ignored. For a full compilation of the "Your School Identity Survey", view this document:
 * Developing an Action Plan **

 Part II: Not only did we take your ideas into consideration, but we conducted research with the purpose of learning to use our findings to make a positive impact on our school. Our group's mission was to uncover the way that music, literature, and technology affected the identity of three eras in America's history. Ultimately, the result of our research indicates nine plausible applications of these areas to impact identity. We've taken into account the unique identities formed by music, literature, and technology in each of the three eras (3x3=9).

** Our Action Plan ** **Based on your answers and our research findings, we now answer the question:** //** How can we make a positive change in the identity of our school? **//

You're sitting in the school auditorium. Lights out. Waiting. And all of a sudden the curtains come up and your school's band orchestra is playing 'Ode to Joy'. The 9th symphony that has been called 'beautiful', and has been known as one of the best symphonies ever created. Don't you think that would have a positive impact on the audience; who happen to be students who live in the community? Music itself can inspire people. One of the most beautiful pieces of work may churn something deep within someone that hasn't been touched before. The will to help others. The feeling to make others happy. To help the community. 'Ode to Joy' may reveal the beauty of the world to people's eyes whom eyes have been shut for their entire lives. The 9th Symphony truly is a 'ode to joy'.
 * With Music**:

Jazz music has been around for ages. It is one of the most emotional music genres still alive today because its foundations were built around the pain and injustice of slaves. I believe we may be able to use jazz in modern day to do similar actions. Writing and making jazz music about modern day problems may be able to stir emotions and initiate the school or the community in attempting to make it a better world. Our school has a jazz band whom have a high degree of talent. Working together with them, we would be able to hold fundraiser concerts where this emotional reacting music would be played. This way we may be able to raise money for causes and get our message across the community. Of course, this is all just an idea. No one is for sure it will work, but jazz has been around for years stirring the emotions of thousands. It may be the genre that our community/school has been looking for.

Using pop music on the contemporary error can be re-developed to send a message to our school's to prevent bullying. For example simply re-creating a familiar song using audio applications and record your own words to send a message of the effects of bullying and cyber bullying on others. This message can be posted via internet, school brodcast/website and local broadcast for the community. Bullying is a growing problem in our schools and communitty. A positive message can help thousands of students and citizens cope and prevent future bullying victims.


 * With Literature**: to be completed by Laura Joy

Technology continually evolves as time goes one. What we once thought was technology is not even really considered technology anymore in today's terms. If you think of a shovel, at one point in time, that was technology because it helped farmers dig the dirt to plant crops which was easier than using their hands. In today's society, technology is more so considered some type of electronic device such as a computer or cell phone. Just like the shovel, our current technologies make our lives easier but now, we are able to have more entertainment in our lives instead of just work.
 * With Technology**:

In our school, technology is drastically changing how we learn. A school system used to be soley based around textbooks, paper, and pencils. Now, our school system is straying away from traditional methods and incorporating technologies that are important in the work force today. Knowing how to use a computer is one of the most valuable tools to know in today's society. Almost every single job revolves around a computer some way or another. Therefore, the school system now has to teach what is important to know for the current workforce. However, after watching the YouTube video provided on the technology page, it explains that what you are learning in schools today might be obsolete in the future and that you are preparing for jobs that might not even be available now. This just goes to show how important education is and to never stop learning because our world is constantly changing!