Internship+V+Productivity+and+Professional+Practice

= Standard V Productivity and Professional Practice =

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In January 2010, a new head custodian started my my school. One of the responsibilities is setting up the sound system in the stage area for programs. The assistant custodian had some practice in setting it up, but it was limited use. I can set up the sound system and was called down to help out a few times. On a Saturday this May, the head custodian called me at home because she was a little stuck on setting up a computer with the sound and projection system. She had not done this part before. Ms Alvis, mentor and principal, mentioned training the custodian and others who use the system, but this had not been completed.=====

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I created a flip chart outlining how to set up all components of the sound system. Each page instructs the user on a particular device, like microphones, or DVD player. The flip chart design enable the user to see instructions for one section at a time, thus not overwhelming them. I included phone numbers for special help, like maintainence and tech support should other problems arise.=====

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In our changing school setting, I including instructions for iTouch and other iPod devices and even gaming systems. This proved very helpful in the end of year awards programs and talent shows. Mrs. Parker, who is not afraid to use technology, but always wants to be completly adept before she starts, used her iTouch for the music of her entire choir program. She loaded her choir music as a playlist on her iTouch and held it in her hand during the program.=====

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A group of four students showed off their RockBand skills for their entire 6th grade group by playing through the sound and projection system. This is the first time students, who have asked previously, but were turned down, were able to show this skill. The students were turned down before being told "it isn't possible." Their teacher came to me and asked about it being a possibility. Oh, yes and we loved it.=====

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The greatest outcome of this document and training, is not that I not interrupted, but rather that others are empowered. During the talent program where students played RockBand on the XBOX, we asked a student to be the sound technician. I stood near and only helped when needed, reminding him of things. I chose this student because of his responisibility, but mostly because of what he did not have. In the semester, I surveyed my students and he was the only one who had NO access to a computer outside of school. Throughout the semester, I made sure that he understood each thing I was doing and could be a teacher in the classroom for certain skills. By asking him to hone his skills even more as sound technician, I believe we gave him practice for things to come. He had never used or a game system like the XBOX or any type of iPd before this program. During the program he managed two iPods, the game system and over seven CD's. I am so proud of his efforts and learning.=====

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This entire process fulfils the proverb, "Give a man a fish and you fee him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." My student, who lives on a working ranch, may not have to use these skill at home right now, but I believe it prepares him for later in life and even junior high when his teachers might get stuck setting someting up.=====