Profession

Information Technology Teacher, MCP, MCSA, MCDBA

Reason for Volunteering

My long service leave was due, and I wanted to do something memorable during my long service leave, not renovate the bathroom or kitchen as some of my colleagues had done, I thought I could do that anytime. When I saw the advertisement wanting a volunteer for Every Child Is Special in Cape York, it seemed like fate, I jumped at the opportunity. I had always been fascinated with Cape York Peninsula and this was my opportunity to see it.

What I got out of it personally/professionally

Professionally as an IT professional; it gave me an opportunity to get back into the “real” world of Information Technology and update my skills and meet and work with other professional IT practitioners. To work on a “real” project and deal with current IT issues and deliver solutions in a timely manner. Experience the difficulties and unique situations that arise when working in remote areas and coming up with workable solutions to those issues.

Professionally as a Teacher; I learnt that I had to change my teaching style to fit a different learning culture and to relax and go with the flow more, make learning more like a social activity. It also confirmed to me that project based learning is a great way to learn.

Personally, this was the most rewarding; to be accepted into a small community like I was and to receive the warmth and friendliness from the tutors and their families gave me a feeling that will stay with me forever. I still remember with great fondness the friendships I made with the residents of the Coen community. I still communicate regularly with my friends in Coen and will visit when I get the opportunity.

What I felt I contributed

I believe I did make a contribution, the project was very successful and my role as an IT expert and teacher contributed to its success, there were many people involved in the project and I would like to think I worked well within the team.
My main role was to transfer IT and multimedia skills to the tutors and assist them in attaining a Certificate 3 in Multimedia, I would also like to think I helped the tutors become more confident and self assured, and nurture the feeling of self-satisfaction one gets when objectives are achieved.