July 2009 Volunteer Profile
Al Doss
Computer Resource Specialist
Virginia Beach, VA
Al was one of the many volunteers this year at NECC in Washington DC. Here is a recap of one of his shifts during the conference.
One of the shifts that I volunteered for at NECC was the seat drop before the Malcolm Gladwell keynote speech. When I first walked in the door there was a general feeling that we were not going to be able to finish in the hour that we had before the conference hall was to open the doors. Everyone was in a high stress mode.
I don't think the drop crew really thought about "not making it," we all just grabbed the materials and began fanning out among the thousands of seats. The more time we spent dropping, the faster we became. The number of seats without materials shrank until we were all standing there looking at each other asking if there were more seats.
With 20 minutes left we were completely finished. It was incredible; we were able to finish with time to spare. We let out a brief yell of conquest and then returned to crowd outside the doors waiting to come in and take a seat.
The people waiting to come in for the keynote address had no idea what had just happened. They continued to jockey for the best positions in front of the door, but the drop crew left with real smiles of triumph. We didn't create a new wonder of the world. Our accomplishment was so much smaller, but we did do something that no one thought could be done. The best part about it was that it was like our little secret.
1. Why are you an educator? What do you like best about your current position?
I am an educator because I think it is a privilege to be a part student’s education. As am a computer resource specialist at my school, I am directly involved with all of the changes in technology in education in my building. I work with hardware and software and make sure teachers and students have the skills to use the tools that we have to offer. I like that my job is constantly changing and demanding more from me. It is an exciting time to be in education!
2. What idea or contribution to your school/organization are you most proud of?
I am proud to be a part of my school. I am interested in working with other educational professionals to improve the quality of education for all the students at my school. The ability to effectively collaborate with my coworkers is what I am most proud of in my current position.
3. What is the biggest opportunity or challenge you see in your professional specialty area in the next five years?
The biggest challenge over the next few years will be keeping up with technology while fighting for funds to continue to receive up-to-date equipment. The economy is looking as though it may turn the corner soon, but the reality is that schools will feel the repercussions of this turmoil for a long time. With less money to go around, jobs are lost, programs are cut, and purchasing stops.
As a computer resource specialist, I do have concerns about the technology for the schools as well as funding for the technology program. The promise of federal funds does seem to be the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that this funding is able to support the instructional technology needs of all schools quickly enough to prevent the permanent damage that could be done to schools across the nation.
4. Over the past 2-3 years, what's been of particular surprise to you in your work?
The move to web based applications for instruction and the ability to connect socially has changed instructional technology. It has been exciting to see the transformation from CD's to cloud computing and social networking. Combining those advances with affordable wireless technology and now students and teachers are no longer tied down to the classroom. Learning has left the building!
5. How does volunteering for ISTE enhance your professional life?
I like meeting people from all over the world with the same interests in educational technology. We may not agree on every subject, but we all come together to promote technology in education. The conversations are interesting and you can feel the passion that we all share.
6. What is the best thing you like about volunteering for ISTE?
Even though I was one of the least experienced conference attendees, it made me feel great that I could contribute to such an important event. Everyone who volunteered was pleasant and helpful, and the time spent was a new learning experience that I will treasure. I only hope that I can contribute again soon.
7. What do you like to do when you're not working or volunteering?
I am a father of three great children and husband to a wonderful wife.
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