Mary Ann's Blog

Website about the dangers of sexting & online messaging for teens!

2010-02-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Betsy Ratashak-Vogel, FCS Instructor at Gilbert High School shared the following message concerning a website that you will want to check out!

Betsy wrote..."I found out about a website called www.athinline.org. It is sponsored by MTV and educates young people about the dangers of sexting and online messaging. It is a good picture into teenagers lives and a good resource for teachers!"

In addition, check out all of the websites and tools relating to "project-based learning" (PBL) and 21st Century Skills on the main page of the FCS website...found some interesting videos explaining the "purpose" and "benefits" of well-developed PBL's! As you are looking for "rubrics" and "tools" to use for "third party" assessments...I hope you find them helpful!

Keep inspiring...

Mary Ann

Project-based learning tools!

2010-02-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

I was on the road most of this week with evening meetings, so I didn't have an opportunity to "twitter" at night! Why do I enjoy "tweeting" you might ask? Actually, it is the best way that I have found to keep me "updated" on technology tools that I can then share with you! Check out this site: www.bie.org (Buck Institute for Education) sign in (it's free!) and download all of their rubrics for 21st Century Skills and tools for project-based learning (PBL)! As you prepare your "third party" assessments for your FCS courses, why "re-invent" the wheel when tools have already been researched and prepared for you! Don't forget to check out all of tools already posted on the FCS website specifically designed for the FCS classroom...

Question to ponder: What PBL have you used recently that "engaged" learning in your FCS classroom? How did you assess "learning" through that PBL?

Onward!

Technology Tool Added!

2010-01-29T09:12:00.000-08:00

Good morning...Found another "fun" and "engaging" technology tool for your FCS classroom...guaranteed to "ignite" your students! Prezi...a great "free" tool for you and student presentations! Check out the "Resources" tab on this site: click on "Technology Tools" and introduce the tool immediately...it is perfect for YOU and YOUR students!
Onward!

FCS & FCCLA Websites - Check Out the Updates!

2010-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

Enjoying an afternoon of pro football, conversation with my 6 year old grandson about playing hockey, skyping my grand daughter after she decided to be her own hair dresser...and twittering! I truly enjoy technology! Alex Kaizer, former FCCLA member, has spent time updating the FCCLA website to make it even more "user friendly" for advisers and "exciting" for all of our members...bravo Alex! I have updated all forms, applications, policies...and have rearranged information so that as an adviser you will only have to use a minimum number of tabs...take time to "explore" your FCCLA website with your members! Integrate the resources into your next FCS course or chapter meeting!

Darrin Lewis, another former FCCLA member, has helped me "research" technology tools for any FCS classroom! Check out Darrin's power point with technology resources that you can use immediately...engage your students whenever possible! By the way, Darrin created the Voki image...thought he did an amazing job!

How will you integrate technology in your classroom this week? Send me some ideas to post!

Technology Tools for FCS Teachers!

2010-01-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! One of my resolutions for 2010 is to "share" 21st Century Tools for FCS teachers in Iowa! Please check out the power point of classroom technology tools posted under "resources" on the FCS webpage...tools to energize you and your students!

Enjoy!