Highlight of an Orlando Tech Faculty Member
Name
Alan Lynch
Campus Location
Orlando Tech
Position/Title
Instructor
Program or coursework you teach or assist
3D Animation Technology
How many years have you been at OCPS CTE?
8 years
Childhood Dream Job:
Television/Film Studio Executive
Previous jobs or career path (if any)
I started my professional career at Valencia Community College working in the Telecourse/Television Production Department as Broadcast Technician. The experience expanded my knowledge of digital video production to include distance learning and information technology. I later applied those skills working for Orange County Public Schools as a Technology Coordinator.
What do you like most about working at OCPS CTE?
I really enjoy working with creative students and staff on big projects either for the school, district or clients. OCPS CTE has many instructors employed direct from the industry they teach bringing with them a vast knowledge and expertise of that field. Pairing this knowledge and wisdom with the passion of each student toward a real product is an amazing experience not only for the student but for the instructor as well.
What’s something "unexpected" that you discovered during your time at OCPS CTE?
Working with numerous colleges and universities has given me a chance to compare technical students and student work with that of students in the college system. It is amazing to see just how competitive graduates of technical schools can be in the workplace. Many college graduates have enrolled in our digital media programs to continue their education and gain experience with the tools and techniques used in the industry.
How do you stay on the cutting edge of your field?
In this field staying current is a necessity and the way my students and I learn new techniques and skills is to constantly scour periodicals and Internet articles, attend workshops, vendor demonstrations, and conferences. Active participation with industry organizations and state centers of excellence and advisory boards not to mention close friends in the industry who create the latest technology also helps.
What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I love to research new concepts and equipment in and out of field.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next five years I will continue my education while finishing the program expansions in the digital media arts department (Digital Video, Digital Audio, 3D Animation, Game/Simulation Programming, Medical Motion Capture).
Source of Inspiration
Family, Former instructors, industry friends, colleagues.
Words of wisdom
"People don't care how much you know, they want to know how much you care"
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