Week 5 Reflections

I think that my definition of educational technology has remained pretty solid through this course.  The difference is going to be the implementation of that definition.  My definition of educational technology leaves open the possibility of utilizing any technology for the purpose of enhancing education.  Before this semester, I really would have limited the tools that I would have plugged into that definition to a much greater extent.  I think that O'Reilly's approach to Web 2.0 is one that will cause a lingering apprehension to diving head first into any such tools, but I think that rather than ignoring such tools completely, I will be looking to follow more of a Novemberian approach, which I think realistically is comparable to how I approach educational technology to begin with: judiciously offering our student a means of developing a compass for the use of technology in their lives.  I also really think that my definition of educational technology is supported by several of November's points, especially when it comes to the definition of educational technology and his commentary on the "$2000 pencil".  I have developed a sense of need to expand my thinking about what can fit within the definition of educational technology, which has been an "ah ha" process, and I have also felt very validated by November and some other authors which have provided some "ah ha" moments.