Sandra said something that really resonated with me and that was “don’t challenge kids by giving them the next grades work.” I think all too often kids are given harder work, rather than more interesting or creative tasks. Students who finish work quickly should not be punished with more or harder work to do, they need to be challenged in a more creative way and that’s why I think Sandra’s work with iPads is so interesting. Students are much more engaged in tasks when using technology and the iPads and apps used allow students to personalize their work in ways that paper and pencil may not easily allow. This technology is useful for students to both access learning and to demonstrate their learning. This technology is also beneficial to students on the other end of the spectrum; the students who are quite often seen as lazy or difficult. With iPads students who might not normally engage with classroom tasks are much more inclined to participate and even complete tasks when they are able to use technology.
I really found this presentation in line with Shelley Moore’s idea of bowling for the edges in order to hit all the pins in the middle.
I agree with your point about challenging students to be more creative, your students will love this!
– Jim
Great summary! I like how you stated in the blog about what resonated with you because reader’s on here really what to know what stands out to you and what’s important to you. Again, I like the length of the post- would not recommend to go any longer.