Home Membership Volunteer

March 2009 Volunteer Profile

Every year, ISTE  partners with a local ISTE Affiliate organization to help in the planning and organization of the conference.  This year, ISTE is partnering with VSTE, the Virginia Socieity for Technology in Education and MICCA, a Maryland Association of Educators Using Technology. Danny Arkin and Barrie Owen from VSTE are part of this year's team for the coordination of volunteers for NECC.

1.  Why are you an educator?  What do you like best about your current position?

Danny:  Educators shape the future, not only by networking and collaborating among themselves, but also in the facilitating roles they enjoy with children.  What could be better than this?  The Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) is all about the professional development of our more than 5,000 members worldwide.  What I like best about my current position is the environment that allows flexibility in meeting the needs of who we serve.  We are always re-evaluating directions and identifying solutions to current issues and challenges.  Doing this in an environment with so much energy and fun is a great opportunity.

Barrie:  I am an educator because an educator was there for me. As a painfully shy seventh grader starting yet another new school (my family moved quite a bit) my English teacher, Mr. Green, gave me the confidence to fit in, the structure to explore my talents, and the compassion to let me fall down and get back up again. He believed in me but more importantly he taught me how to believe in myself … all while fostering a love for learning. Oh yeah, he was a great literature teacher also! From that day on, I knew I wanted to teach and help students believe in themselves!  Hmmm, what do I like best about my current position?! I would have to say the challenge of finding new ways to encourage 21-st century instruction and the feeling of accomplishment  when an educator “catches the excitement!"

2.  What idea or contribution to your school/organization are you most proud of?

Danny:  Tough question. Given that I’ve been with the organization since its inception, there is so much to be proud of but I’d have to say that I’m the most proud of all the volunteers who do so much for VSTE. A good example is our Annual Conference Planning Committee, a group of 24 volunteers who work year round to produce a world famous professional development experience.  Another example of great volunteers can be found in the form of VSTE Island in Second Life.  Here you will see the power of facilitating the creativity of educator volunteers as they create the ultimate demonstration of cutting-edge technology in education.

Barrie:  I am really proud to be a part of a great team of educators who put together the VSTE annual conference here in Virginia. I see our presenters work very hard to share their information and passions. I see the attendees get excited about what they have learned and will take back to their classrooms. Knowing that I have been a part of making that happen is humbling and worth every bit of hard work that went into the planning.

3.  What is the biggest opportunity or challenge you see in your professional specialty area in the next five years?

Danny:  The biggest challenge we face is to continue to meet the needs of who we serve in a cost-effective manner.  We are consistently wanting to find new and exciting programs that will draw in new timers and old timers alike.  Day-long events (institutes and mini-conferences) are one way to do this.  Pirate parties don’t hurt either.

Barrie:  I believe that our challenges can turn into opportunities! One of the biggest challenges we face in the next five years is to help educators feel comfortable using and teaching with the technologies that our students have grown up with. Through online courses and face-to-face events, VSTE is committed to making sure that the educators in Virginia have the opportunity to learn about and feel comfortable teaching with a variety of 21-st century tools.

4.  Over the past 2-3 years, what's been of particular surprise to you in your work?

Danny:  The power of fun. I am continually overwhelmed by how much learning can take place when people relax, let go, and just enjoy being who we are.

Barrie:  Well, I haven’t been surprised by this but I am always in awe of how many educators are willing to give what little time they have to volunteering. Whether it is at our conference, in the programs we have throughout the year, or at the NECC, conference people give selflessly of their time and talents. They are truly heroes!

5.  How does volunteering for ISTE enhance your professional life?

Danny:  It allows me to meet other professionals from around the world and to share the common issues and solutions we all have together.  When I come back from NECC, I am full of new ideas and ways to try things in our organization.

Barrie:  Volunteering allows me to network with other professionals from around the country and around the world. I always come away with a great sense of excitement and renewed commitment for my profession!

6. What is the best thing you like about volunteering for ISTE?

Danny:  The cool T-shirts of course.

Barrie:  All the people I get to meet…. And, of course, the cool T-shirts!

7.  What do you like to do when you're not working or volunteering?

Danny:  Doesn’t everything we do fall under working or volunteering?  I love flying my homebuilt experimental aircraft.

Barrie:  This is the hardest question of all! Like many of my colleagues, when I am not working, I am usually volunteering! But when I do get a few minutes of free time, I usually spend it with my family and new dog Brinkley. He reminds me that it is good to just run in the wind with your ears flopping.