Nancy Volesky is a dedicated Information Technology, (I.T.) substitute teacher, with a lot of confidence and zest, who hails from Montreal. She is on a mission to help Bermuda students with their computer studies when the regular teacher is unavailable.

She has received extensive training through the XL Bermuda Education Initiative responsible for training the I.T. faculty at both CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute.

"The objective is to deliver a unique, world-class I.T. curriculum, developed specifically for Bermuda by the Stanford University Department of Computer Science.

"When I am called upon to be a substitute teacher I can continue with the curriculum,thereby offering quality substitution, rather than the students missing a class" advised Ms Volesky.

The I.T. substitute teachers are required to attend three intensive training sessions to prepare them for the classroom. Once training has been successfully completed, the qualified substitute will have the opportunity to teach one or two classes per month.

Ms Volesky is quite enthusiastic about the programme and says it's all about sharing knowledge in technology, with the emphasis on sharing.

"Technology enabled the development of the Internet, which is the ultimate knowledge medium. It is a fantastic example of human ingenuity as well as demonstrating the generosity of the human spirit of sharing and caring.

"All sorts of material is freely available on the Internet that before would have either inaccessible or cost prohibitive for the average student or person. A wealth of information such as atlas maps, dictionaries, pictures and photographs, music, museum collections, scientific data, medical and health information, and games are still made available for free."

"I enjoy my role as an I.T. teacher as I love sharing knowledge because when I share, I learn at the same time. When I interact with the students, I am learning what motivates and interests the next generation.

"Being a part of the community is important and giving back is something I have always tried to do. I like mentoring young people and if I can help someone to at least learn a little, I feel good."

She commends all those involved with the B.TEC programme especially XL, the education minister and the minister of telecommunication and commerce for initiating such an innovative and valuable programme.

When Ms Volesky is in the classroom she tries to make herself a resource to students. She gives insight to students about the realities of IT related jobs, providing a snapshot of what it's like working in the real world. Learning is not just theory to her and she tries to encourage and motivate students and increase their exposure and awareness.

People view technology through a narrow "tech focus'' and that is no longer the way technology is. It is more than the mad scientist wearing a white coat and writing equations on the chalkboard or the techie with the superglasses glued to a computer screen. Technology today is for everyone whether you are devising a business plan or buying a skateboard.

Ms Volesky said: "Business is about having a successful business model and technology is about helping to deliver products, information, or services and streamlining business practices or processes, to make that business more effective and efficient.

"That's where kids can get confused. Some assume that if they don't have the aptitude or interest to become a computer programmer, they can't be involved in an IT related area. But that just isn't true. Some jobs of course require more technical skills than others, but there is a real need for marketing, research, sales, finance, legal, personnel and other skills to run any business successfully.

"The point is that you need to be aware of and understand the potential impact of technological solutions and applications that are out there, that can help you and your company do their job better.

When asked about her overall assessment of B.TEC she explained that she is impressed with the quality of the curriculum and finds it outstanding. Everyone can benefit from it and it gives an excellent overview of technology and what technology can do.

"B.TEC provides students with computer skills, explains basic programming, teaches them how to make web sites, gives the history of computers, and provides an overview with an insight into today's technology and related issues,'' she said.

Ms Volesky predicts that B.TEC is going to grow. It has definite value - even for junior schools. Perhaps more professionals will become I.T. subs over a period of time.

"I strongly believe in B.TEC, as it is wonderful! It provides users with excellent opportunities and the curriculum is simply outstanding. It is great for learning or teaching and I am very proud to be a part of this team,'' she said.

Ms Volesky is employed with the Hamilton advertising and marketing firm of AAC, Saatchi and Saatchi and is a senior account director, interactive media and e-business.

For over 15 years she has extensive experience in project management marketing, advertising, communications public affairs, public relations and training in both the corporate and public sectors and more recently, in the last five years in interactive media.

Her education background is impressive with a Master of Public Administration from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and a Master of Arts (Art History) from Concordia University, Montreal. She has several e-business related certificates from McGill University and the University of Toronto.

A believer of community involvement, currently she is the deputy chairman of the e-Business Development Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, established to consult with government and industry on e-Business issues.

"My advice to young people choosing a career is to follow something that's interesting to them or that they are passionate about, even if their interests change later on."