VM Training Course Syllabus

From SPARK

Contents 1 Unpublished 2 Unit 1: Foundations 2.1 Sociolinguistics 2.1.1 Intro to Academic Affairs 2.1.2 Intro to Sociolinguistics 2.1.3 The World Today and Vision 2025 2.1.4 Language Programs 2.1.5 Program Planning and Management 2.1.6 Sociolinguistics Project 2.2 Cross Cultural Communication 2.2.1 Model 2.2.2 Crossing Cultures 2.2.3 Research 2.3 Orality 2.4 A VM Philosophy 2.5 Planning for Media Project – Eliciting needed information. Interpersonal skills 2.6 Student-as-Trainer Project 3 Unit 2: Selecting Appropriate Media 3.1 Evaluating Media 3.1.1 Media Forms 3.1.2 Media Mix 3.2 Storying 3.3 Visuals 3.3.1 Theory 3.3.2 Viewing Stills 3.3.3 Viewing Video 4 Unit 3: Utilization 4.1 Ethnomusicology 4.1.1 Ethnomusicology Theory 4.1.2 EM on the Field 4.2 Designing Programs 4.2.1 Planning Model 4.2.2 Presentation Styles 4.2.3 Scripting 4.2.4 Designing an Audio Script (Phase One of Audio Project) 4.3 Distribution 4.3.1 Distribution Theory 4.3.2 Training 4.3.3 Delivery Systems 4.3.4 Finances 4.4 Feedback and Evaluation 4.5 VM Strategies 5 Unit 4: Fundamentals Theories 5.1 Sound 5.1.1 Basic Sound 5.1.2 Recording Sites 5.2 Electronics 5.2.1 Basic Theory 5.2.2 Multi-Meter 5.2.3 Power Options 5.3 Analog and Digital Audio Processing 6 Unit 5: Equipment 6.1 Microphones, Speakers, and Headphones 6.2 Cables 6.2.1 Accessories 6.2.2 Signal Flow 6.3 Mixers 7 Unit 6: Recording Procedures 7.1 Recording Basics 7.1.1 Professionalism 7.1.2 Prompter Technique 7.1.3 Recordist Notes 7.2 Audio Recording Devices 7.2.1 Recording Music 7.2.2 Recording Sound Effects 7.3 Audio Recording Project 7.4 JJO Recording Project 7.5 FLD Recording Project 8 Unit 7: Postproduction 8.1 Basic Audio Editing 8.2 Mastering an Audio Product 8.3 Mastering a Video Product 8.4 Duplication 8.5 Quality control 8.6 Archiving 9 Unit 8: Media Department 9.1 Running a Media Department 9.1.1 General Operations 9.1.2 Philosophy of Equipment Use 9.1.3 Evaluating Equipment Project 9.2 Maintenance 9.2.1 Preventative 9.2.2 Analytical troubleshooting 9.2.3 Repairs 9.3 Training Those We Serve

Unpublished

Unit 1: Foundations

Sociolinguistics

Intro to Academic Affairs

1. Be aware of the structure of Academic Affairs.
2. Understand the implication for language work.
3. Understand the relationship between SLD and VMS.

Intro to Sociolinguistics

1. Understand the history of sociolinguistics.
2. Understand some sociolinguistic concepts.
3. Know the differences between multilingual and monolingual societies.

The World Today and Vision 2025

1. Be aware of the global situation regarding missions.
2. Be aware of Vision 2025 and its implication for field work.
3. Be aware of Scripture Impact Initiative.

Language Programs

1. Understand the contents and types of language-development programs.
2. Understand several aspects of Scripture Use in language programs.
3. Discuss how change is introduced into a society.
4. Discuss the implications of outside interventions on a society.

Program Planning and Management

1. Understand the basic principles of strategic planning.
2. Identify the factors impacting a language program.
3. Understand and be able to apply Results-Based Management.

Sociolinguistics Project

1. Be able to develop a strategic plan for a media project in a language program.
2. Make a clear presentation of the rationale and contents of the plan.

Cross Cultural Communication

Model

1. Examine basic communication principles.
2. Prepare for clear communication in cross cultural interactions.
3. Review the principles of multilingualism and domains of use.
4. Apply the principles of the communication model, especially to planning for media in language programs (review the principle of feedback as taught in SLD).

Crossing Cultures

1. Review communication principles, especially in cross-cultural situations.
2. Identify three patterns of crossing cultures.
3. Define culture and identify cultural determinants.
4. Examine some methods used to classify cultures.
5. Recognize various learning styles or preferences.

Research

1. Recognize the importance of research.
2. Identify the ways research can be conducted.
3. Practice using the skills.

Orality

1. Become aware that oral cultures exist.
2. Gain an appreciation and understanding of oral cultures.
3. Distinguish the difference between literate and oral cultures (learning styles, communication styles).
4. Recognize that orality issues affect planning for media.
5. Identify how media can impact oral cultures.

A VM Philosophy

1. Discuss the foundational issues of VMS’ philosophy.
2. Define and discuss VMS’s philosophy which integrates contextual and program considerations rather than be product-driven.
3. Identify ways VM can become part of a language program.
4. Review the importance of using language program desired results and the key factors in the planning, preparation, and use of VM.

Planning for Media Project – Eliciting needed information. Interpersonal skills

1. Integrate the concepts learned during the foundational phase of the training.
2. Interact with linguists about their language program, putting into practice the dialog facilitation skills.
3. Use learned skills in selecting and utilizing appropriate media.
4. Conduct basic research interviews with language personnel.
5. Develop a plan to integrate media into the language program of the resource person.

Student-as-Trainer Project

1. Be exposed to the experience of training a group.
2. Assemble information on a specified topic and develop a lesson plan.
3. Present and communicate the information in an appropriate manner to a group of peers.
4. Receive feedback and evaluation from the receptor group, and make adjustments to the lesson plan for future use.
5. Document the process of developing the instructional experience and debrief with their assigned trainers.

Unit 2: Selecting Appropriate Media

Evaluating Media

1. Determine what media can and cannot do in communicating a message.
2. Define general categories of media.
3. Identify some strengths and limitations of various media.
4. Discuss ways to categorize media.

Media Forms

1. Compare and contrast the three types of radio signals (AM, FM, SW) as a delivery system.
2. Be aware that communities differ in their availability of equipment with regard to format (NTSC, PAL, SECAM) and media type.

Media Mix

1. Define media mix.
2. Recognize the effectiveness of a media mix in sustaining the impact of the message.
3. Discuss media mix options based on media characteristics, administrative constraints, and language program enablers and constraints.

Storying

1. Describe IMB’s CBS and recognize that it is a major method being promoted and used today to respond to the needs of oral learners.
2. Describe New Tribes’ Chronological Bible Teaching and contrast the difference between teaching and storying.
3. Describe One Story (Partnership of WBT, YWAM, IMB, CCCI, TWR) which was previously known as EPIC.
4. View storying resource media which are available through VMS.

Visuals

Theory

1. Define visual literacy.
2. Recognize how culture alters the perception of the visual.
3. Value the need for pretesting.

Viewing Stills

1. View visual resource media which are available through VMS.
2. Apply the theory of visual perception to various resources.
3. Present the aspects of stills which need to be considered before recommending them as vernacular media tools in a language program.

Viewing Video

1. View audio-visual resource media which is available through VMS.
2. Apply the theory of visual perception to various resources.
3. Present the aspects of videos which need to be considered before recommending them as vernacular media tools in a language program.

Unit 3: Utilization

Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicology Theory

1. Discuss the roles music plays in different cultures.
2. Interact with the various elements of music.
3. Examine indigenous hymnody.

EM on the Field

1. Understand the role of a VM specialist with regard to EM.
2. Know where to locate information to help an interested person assess the EM situation.
3. Hear examples of ethnomusicology-related workshops.

Designing Programs

Planning Model

1. Differentiate between the roles of the VM Specialist and the Language Project personnel.
2. Identify the elements of a planning model.
3. Understand the difference between a curriculum and a single program.

Presentation Styles

1. Be introduced to presentation styles.
2. Examine the variables for choosing speakers for the program (general principles as well as those specific to audio-only programs).
3. Experience the Prompter Technique.
4. Discuss the variety of ways media programs can be made interesting and appropriate for the focus audience by combining presentation styles.
5. Be aware of examples of scripts to share with local script writers to aid them in designing effective programs.

Scripting

1. Discuss the application of good communication principles to the development of scripts.
2. Distinguish between audio cassette and radio programs.
3. Examine principles and elements of script development.
4. Describe visualizing audio and develop a script showing the process.

Designing an Audio Script (Phase One of Audio Project)

1. Create a 6–8 minute thematic audio program for a specific focus audience as Phase One of the Audio Project.
2. Incorporate into the script the following elements: bridges, audio drama with multiple speakers, instrumental music, vocal music, sound effects, and at least two other presentation styles.

Distribution

Distribution Theory

1. Develop awareness that distribution should be integrated into the media planning process from the beginning.
2. Examine the various aspects to consider when planning for distribution.
3. Discuss how media mix affects distribution planning.
4. Clarify the role of a VM Specialist in regard to distribution.
5. Discuss barriers to distribution and possible solutions.

Training

1. Identify the areas of training that might be needed in regard to distribution and distributors.
2. Recognize the importance of having appropriate policies in place.
3. Discuss the role of a VM Specialist in regard to distribution training.

Delivery Systems

1. Understand how to maximize the opportunities presented while showing a Scripture video.
2. Be exposed to various products with distribution delivery systems.

Finances

1. Examine the issues that are related to finances.
2. Recognize that there is a need to compare the cost of distributing something in various formats.

Feedback and Evaluation

1. Review the role of feedback.
2. Discuss the need for evaluation and ways feedback can be obtained.
3. Discover characteristics of useful feedback to evaluate material, possible methods and how to gather it.
4. Develop an understanding of the need to gather feedback to evaluate media materials.
5. Review the indicators of good project management.

VM Strategies

1. Understand the need to orient area and entity administrators toward VM philosophy.
2. Define the difference between constituent and vernacular media.
3. Discuss the VM department’s integration into the entity’s strategic plans.
4. Be aware of the finances issues in establishing a VM budget.
5. Develop a presentation for administrators.
6. Investigate how local infrastructure can become involved in VM activities.
7. Recognize the need to consult with language program teams about VM possibilities/practicalities as a part of their strategic planning.
8. Review the steps a team goes through in planning media projects for a language program.
9. Develop a presentation for language teams, demonstrating how VM can be helpful in achieving their goals.

Unit 4: Fundamentals Theories

Sound

Basic Sound

1. Define what is sound and its essential elements.
2. Differentiate two types of waves: longitudinal wave and transverse wave.
3. Discuss terms of waves: cycle, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase.
4. Describe measurements of sound.
5. Understand characteristics of sound: Reflection, refraction, absorption, integration, and cancellation.

Recording Sites

1. Review characteristics of sound.
2. Discuss how characteristics of sound affect the acoustic treatment of the recording site.
3. Discuss the value of both temporary and permanent studios.
4. Compare strengths and limitations of various recording sites.
5. Demonstrate the ability to construct a recording studio in various locations.
6. Discuss how the placement of recording equipment is determined by the configuration of the recording site.
7. Visit a professional studio to see how they deal with acoustical treatment in their specific environment.

Electronics

Basic Theory

1. Become familiar with basic terminology used in the field of electronics.
2. Identify the four basic elements of a circuit.
3. Understand the basic principles of series/parallel connections.
4. Be able to apply Ohm’s law in calculating power needs.

Multi-Meter

1. Discuss the benefits of using a multi-meter.
2. Identify the four measuring functions of a multi-meter.
3. Develop skills for using a multi-meter.
4. Diagnose basic problems with electronic equipment and accessories.

Power Options

1. Identify various power sources.
2. Review and apply Ohm’s law in calculating power needs.
3. Review connections required when doing various operations.
4. Understand the ramifications of using power options such as generators, solar panels, batteries, transformers.
5. Recognize that not all voltage adapters are the same; identify the appropriate voltage adapter for the need.
6. Discuss the pros and cons of using various power sources and be able to choose an appropriate source for a VM recording.
7. Discuss unstable power and how to deal with it.
8. Become aware of the solar department located in IT.

Analog and Digital Audio Processing

1. Discuss the difference between analog and digital audio processing.
2. Understand the general concept of linear versus non-linear.
3. Understand how information is stored in analog and digital systems; compare the storage capacity of each medium.
4. Discuss the characteristics of analog recordings.
5. Discuss the characteristics of digital recordings.
6. Understand zero dB is not the same in analog as in digital.

Unit 5: Equipment

Microphones, Speakers, and Headphones

1. Discuss how sound is converted to electric current and visa versa.
2. Be able to differentiate between condenser and dynamic microphones.
3. Understand the effects of frequency response, proximity effect, and polar patterns as they pertain to microphones.
4. Discuss balanced/unbalanced construction, impedance, and phantom power as they pertain to microphones.
5. Discuss the response of various microphones.
6. Discuss the Rule of Thirds when using multiple microphones.
7. Identify what factors affect the quality of speakers and headphones.
8. Evaluate various microphones, speakers, and headphones.

Cables

Accessories

1. Identify various types of cables and their uses.
2. Review the theory of balance/unbalanced construction as it relates to cables.
3. Recognize and distinguish between various types of connectors and adapters.
4. Choose the correct cable and connector for a particular situation.
5. Review impedance and how it relates to cables.
6. Discuss the role of shielding and insulation inside of cables.
7. Discuss the proper storage of cables.

Signal Flow

1. Discuss different aspects of input and output.
2. Follow the signal flow of connected equipment.
3. Understand the concepts of line level, mic level, and impedance.

Mixers

1. Discuss the purpose of a mixer and how it combines audio from different sources.
2. Understand the relationship between the channels and the master.
3. Learn how to use the Behringer Eurorack UB1202 Mixer.
4. Discover basic functions (inputs, outputs, channels, EQ, mix sound, amplify, auxiliary in/out).
5. Discover features (pots vs sliders, gain vs trim, mute/solo, phantom power).

Unit 6: Recording Procedures

Recording Basics

Professionalism

1. Realize the need to personally exhibit Christ-like character in all situations, especially when stress levels are high.
2. Develop an understanding of some of the biblical basis for professionalism.
3. Complete a self-evaluation of the student's own character.
4. Develop an awareness of how to train yourself for recording and post-production.
5. Discuss ways which can show honor to cultures which are drastically different from your own.
6. Become aware of some mannerisms which might communicate negatively.

Prompter Technique

1. Discuss ways which can show honor to cultures which are drastically different from your own.
2. Observe ways that the prompter technique can be used to allow non-readers to participate in recording productions.
3. Become aware of some mannerisms which might communicate negatively.
4. Learn and practice the Prompter Technique.

Recordist Notes

1. Discuss the philosophy of why it is necessary to maintain recordist notes.
2. Observe various formats of marking scripts and notations.
3. Learn how to maintain the VM Recordist Notebook that will be used during the projects.
4. Learn about the Ethnologue and how its coding will be used to identify recording projects.

Audio Recording Devices

1. Become familiar with various recording devices (cassette recorder, digital recorder, MiniDisc, computer).
2. Learn how to use several recording devices.
3. Learn how to use audio editing software.
4. Discuss microphone placement in various recording situations.
5. Observe two recording styles using the prompter technique and one recording style without the prompter technique.

Recording Music

1. Discuss recording various forms of vocals -– solo, trio, large choirs, chanter/drone, solo sung in the midst of a choir.
2. Discuss recording various forms of instrumentals –- guitar, percussion, flute, keyboard, piano.
3. Discuss recording and balancing the sound of vocal and instrumental done simultaneously.
4. Recognize that the treatment of the studio may be different while recording music.
5. Consider the right placement for the mic and/or people.
6. Do a music project recorded through MultiTrack.

Recording Sound Effects

1. Review the theory of sound effects (DP Scripting Principles).
2. Discuss the pros and cons of pre-packaged sound effects versus customized sound effects.
3. Discuss the pros and cons of recording sound effects simultaneously with the vocal tract.
4. Discuss microphone options for recording specific sounds, either on location or in a studio setting.
5. Create and record a specific set of sound effects.

Audio Recording Project

1. Experience being part of a recording team.
2. Assemble a recording studio in an office environment.
3. Connect all the equipment correctly.
4. Receive feedback and evaluation from the training staff regarding dubbing setup, habits, and skills.
5. Record a 6-8 minute thematic audio program using a cassette recorder, a MiniDisc, and a mixer.
6. Learn to keep a recordist notebook logging all aspects of the recording experience.

JJO Recording Project

1. Experience being part of a recording team.
2. Assemble a recording studio in a JJO cabin.
3. Connect all the equipment correctly.
4. Choose a location for the generator, hook it up, and record using its power.
5. Receive feedback and evaluation from the training staff regarding dubbing setup, habits, and skills.
6. Record (dub) one episode (#3) of the Luke Video.

FLD Recording Project

1. Experience being part of a recording team.
2. Assemble a recording studio in an office environment.
3. Connect all the equipment correctly.
4. Receive feedback and evaluation from the training staff regarding dubbing setup, habits, and skills.
5. Record (dub) one episode (#4) of the Luke Video in various foreign languages.

Unit 7: Postproduction

Basic Audio Editing

1. Be exposed to various techniques of editing.
2. Learn how to edit with Audacity.
3. Learn how to edit with Audition.
4. Observe how the Audio Project could have been done in Audition MultiTrack.

Mastering an Audio Product

1. Understand the term “master”.
2. Discuss the process of mastering.
3. Discuss the difference between mix down and mastering.
4. Master an audio cassette.
5. Master an audio CD.

Mastering a Video Product

1. Review the process of mastering.
2. Understand that although quality control must be done here, mastering does not.
3. Observe a project in the process of being mastered.
4. Become aware of what VMS Production can offer in the way of vernacular titles on the finished product.
5. Discuss the obstacles that will be faced in dealing with differing video formats and compatibility issues that arise between electronic components.

Duplication

1. Discuss the process of duplication.
2. Discuss the maintenance of heads on duplication equipment.
3. Learn how to make labels, J-Cards, packaging.

   • Identify necessary information to be put on the label/J-Card.
   • Be exposed to templates in software.
   • Design a label/J-Card for the Audio Project.
   • Discuss the pitfalls of using stick-on labels.

4. Duplicate cassettes.
5. Discuss bulk erasing of audio cassettes and experience the process.
6. Duplicate VHS.
7. Discuss duplication/copy of CD/VCD/DVD.

Quality control

1. Understand the concept of a VMS QC and recognize that all VMS video dub projects will undergo this process.
2. Be exposed to the criteria for quality checks.
3. Identify the files the VMS Production Department will require for QC.
4. Recognize that some dubbed videos will be quality checked by other organizations as well.

Archiving

1. Be aware of VMS Archiving Service.
2. Recognize that some dubbed videos will be archived by other organizations as well.

Unit 8: Media Department

Running a Media Department

General Operations

1. Learn about the daily nitty-gritty of running the office.
2. Learn to archive/store/maintain a database of what is there.
3. Understand importance of departmental paperwork.

   • Maintaining an inventory/origin of inventory/ pricing
   • Insurance
   • Copyright issues/other paperwork
   • Approval/Request forms
   • Use of Shell Video Manual
   • Relating/reports to JAARS VMS/branch administration/donors

4. Understand the role of finances/budget/accounting.
5. Discuss the possibilities for interaction with other departments.
6. Become aware of the preparations a trip necessitates.

Philosophy of Equipment Use

1. Recognize the need for establishing priorities and policies for the VM department.
2. Learn how to evaluate the merits and limitations of equipment.
3. Establish guidelines for purchasing new equipment.
4. Continue discussion on repairs of equipment owned by the VM Department.

Evaluating Equipment Project

1. Evaluate a piece of equipment for its potential use.
2. Write a technical evaluation.
3. Present an oral report on the piece of equipment which was evaluated.
4. Receive feedback and evaluation from the training staff regarding the student's evaluation skills.

Maintenance

Preventative

1. Be knowledgeable of the “Five Deadly Enemies”.
2. Discuss that proper handling of magnetic tapes, CDs, etc., minimizes foreign matter deposits and surface deformations.
3. Identify the proper care and storage of equipment and accessories.
4. Recognize the need for periodic cleaning of equipment and accessories.

Analytical troubleshooting

1. Identify general troubleshooting techniques.
2. Learn how to troubleshoot analytically and find the defective component.

Repairs

1. Repair cassette tapes.
2. Observe the repair of cassette recorders.
3. Learn basic soldering techniques.
4. Repair a bad cable.

Training Those We Serve

1. Understand the need for training others.
2. Learn about of the dynamics of training cross-culturally.
3. Participate in the Train the Trainer Project.
4. Discuss seminars and workshops.

• Discuss difference between a seminar and a workshop.
• Planning and holding a seminar or workshop.
• Use of mini training manuals.