Pete and I attended the ASCD fall conference along with our principal Judith Gatt. The opportunities for learning were tremendous and we came back to school inspired and rejuvenated. Some of the speakers we heard from were Carol Ann Tomlinson, Robert Marzano, Grant Wiggins just to name a few. Two sessions I enjoyed the most were by Elizabeth Ross Hubbell and Alfred Solis. Elizabeth talked about using technology with classroom instruction that works. The potential to change our classrooms into dynamic and differentiated learning environment depends on our understanding of how iPads can be used to enhance the use of research based instructional strategies. Some of the apps she shared were: Infinote- for K-W-L chart, Idea Sketch - to create graphic organizers, eClicker, Mind meister, puppet pals...Amazing info all in two hours. Next Alfred Solis talked about Project-Based Learning. He is from the Buck Institute for Education. You can check out their website - www.bie.org/ for FREE material and resource for teachers.