Reflection # 2

After looking at many definitions, and getting a better idea about educational technology I came up with my own definition. 
Educational technology:  using the tools and devices we have to incorporate a level of technology based curriculum to engage students.

After completing this assignment, I would like to say that I was surprised at some of my findings, but sadly in all reality, I am not surprised.  There are so many things available, whether true or untrue, on the Internet, and at our fingertips that it is unbelievable.  I think that we as educators need to teach students things to look for when gathering information from the Internet to verify the facts, before choosing to believe them.  I now realize, that there was probably some information that I found from sites online when in college that were probably not very creditable.  Kids need to understand that just because it is on the Internet, it does not mean it is true.  They need to look other places, and verify that they are using a credible site before believing everything 100%.  I think we need to show them to have a level of skepticism when gathering information from the web, because while it is fast and convenient, it is not always true.  I did see some advantages to social bookmarking tools.  Having this type of tool available allows you to express ideas and show your creativity while doing so.  I chose to use wordle.net because I liked the simpleness of creating my ideas in a fun creative way.  I think social bookmarking tools could be interesting to use in classrooms to get students to express their ideas about things as simple as using it as a way to introduce themselves at the beginning of the year, to using it on projects throughout the year.  I would like to use the digital mapping concept in my own classroom one day, as I found it to be a fun and creative way to express my idea about educational technology.