It's time to wrap up another year of the GCE Blog. We've shared a lot of information with our readers and here's a quick look at our top 5 posts of 2017.

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's nursing programs? As part of the GCE Blog's "Our Faculty" series, we introduce Dr. Deborah Stone, Chair of the Forensic Nursing program.

Tell us about your experience in Forensic Nursing.

The majority of my experience as a forensic RN has been as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). Many facilities utilize the role of a SANE combined with a generalist forensic RN role. This includes providing care, evidence collection, and documentation (photographs, diagrams, and narrative) for any forensic patient. Forensic patients seek healthcare which is, or will be, related to a legal proceeding. Common examples include patients who experience domestic violence, child or elder abuse/neglect, sexual assault/perpetration. Other infrequent examples in my experience include photo-documentation of a shark bite, and photo-documentation of a deceased motor vehicle collision victim (MVC) where the airbag failed to deploy. In addition to clinical practice roles, I also have experience as a legal nurse consultant. Most of my work with attorneys involved extensive record review and writing reports. The SANE role includes providing a physical examination, collection of evidence, and testifying in court as an expert and/or fact witness. In 2010, I was approached by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing and asked to create a presentation that details when cardio-pulmonary resuscitation should and should not be done.

Has your district integrated Chromebooks, Laptops,  iPads and Mobile devices? Is more work being done online? Is your school implementing 1:1?

Schools are investing in new technology to help improve and enhance student achievement. With the Common Core standards, educators need to ensure that students can demonstrate what they know, and not just say they know it. When implemented properly, these technologies can produce significant gains by boosting engagement with interactive learning especially with at-risk students.

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's Applied Communication program? As part of the GCE blog's "Our Faculty" series, we introduce Dr. Charles Sides, Professor and Internship Program Director.

Time in Department:  26 years

Shea Pugh earned widespread admiration during her time at Fitchburg State, including receiving one of its highest honors the Graduate Student Leadership Award.

Pugh believes the best teachers care about their students’ lives beyond the classroom. She brings enthusiasm, care and compassion to her work, demonstrating a special talent helping students who require some additional guidance and support. She has been cited for her expertise in working with students with extreme behavioral challenges. "I believe all students can learn so I want to help them do that."        

Upon matriculating into any Fitchburg State graduate program, you will be assigned an academic advisor. It’s important to develop a relationship with your advisor. They're here to help you on your academic journey. 

Here’s how your advisor can work for you:

Thank you to guest blogger, Lee Anne Hooley, a recent graduate of the Applied Communication program.

"Marketing is a concept focused on reaching out to potentially engaged publics, with a goal of galvanizing audiences around a brand," says Dr. Kyle Moody who is teaching

With technology constantly changing, schools are investing in technology to help improve and enhance student achievement. With the common core standards, educators need to ensure that students can demonstrate what they know, and not just "know." When implemented properly, these technologies can produce significant gains by boosting engagement with interactive learning especially with at-risk students.

Thank you to guest blogger, Dr. Maqsood Ali Mughal from the Industrial Technology department at Fitchburg State for his contribution to the GCE Blog.

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's Education programs? As part of the GCE Blog's "Our Faculty" series, we introduce Dr. William Cortezia, Chair of the Middle School Education program.