Are you familiar with the ZPD theory? I've just come across it, thanks to the Irish Gifted Education blog by Dazzled and Frazzled (otherwise known as Catherine Riordan and Karen McCarthy).
For those as new to the theory as I am, ZPD, aka the zone of proximal development, was coined by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky, famous for his work into the development of cognitive skills in children.
Giving (to me, at least) greater clarity to the saying "in the zone", ZPD is the space between a child's current and potential level of development.
It matters here because, according to blogger Karen McCarthy, "the ZPD has particular resonance for highly able learners" and it also highlights the role of differentiation in teaching these students.
On the blog, she writes: "All students need to be required to work in their ZPD on a regular basis, including gifted learners. Where most students experience this level of challenge daily, highly able children for whom the regular curriculum holds less challenge may not... we must find a way to ensure that gifted pupils enter their ZPD. Effective differentiation can go some way to this goal."
As well as gifted and talented education, there's another area that differentiation comes up a lot: education technology.
Pinpointing the interesting relationship between all three areas - edu tech, G&T and differentiation - back on the Irish Gifted Education blog, Lindsey Wright sums up the potential of tech and online for gifted students: "Yet all too often, the traditional school model leaves gifted kids feeling bored, restless or trapped...Being able to turn to an online school allows these students to reach beyond the classroom and participate in classes that they wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to take."
To explore technology and gifted and talented education in more detail, the Guardian Teacher Network has partnered with IGGY - an international online network for bright and creative young people aged 13-18, created by the University of Warwick.
We'll be discussing how schools are using technology to support gifted and talented students and profiling challenges, benefits, trends and best practice. Join our panel to share ideas, experiences and tips on Tuesday 22 January, 6pm to 8pm.
Valerie Thompson, chief executive of the e-learning Foundation
The e-learning Foundation, is a national educational charity dedicated to eliminating the digital divide for school children in the UK.
Dr Linda Brody, Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth
Linda directs the Study of Exceptional Talent and the Diagnostic and Counseling Center at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). She also supervises the publication of CTY's Imagine magazine and led the development of its Cogito.org website, both of which encourage students to be informed about and partake in extracurricular learning options.
Adrian Hall, Managing Director, IGGY
IGGY is an international online network for bright and creative young people aged 13-18. Adrian was formerly a senior policy advisor on educational software to the UK's Department of Education.
Dr Adam Boddison, academic principal, IGGY
Adam is responsible for ensuring that there is a broad range of academic content for IGGY members, which is both relevant and engaging.
Jackie Swift, head of English, London secondary school
Peter Lydon, founder GTNetwork
A specialist teacher of gifted children, gifted educational consultant and lecturer. Peter is the founder of GTNetwork - a network of advocates and support groups for exceptionally able/gifted children in Ireland. Peter tweets as @peter_lydon.
Sara Findlater, assistant principal and headteacher of Aquila College, Riddlesdown Collegiate
Sarah has experience of G&T programmes.
Joe Dale, independent consultant
A former languages teacher, Joe is interested an knowledgeable about education and technology. Joe tweets @joedale.
Donna Comerford, deputy director of learning, Cavendish School, Eastbourne
Donna is on a mission to bring creativity, enthusiasm and fun back to the classroom. Donna tweets @DonnaComerford.
Matt Britland, head of ICT, Kingston Grammar School
Doug Brown, former teacher, examiner and ICT adviser
Doug has been a teacher, examiner, curriculum developer, in-service trainer, Ofsted inspector and headed the advisory team of Birmingham's Educational Support Services.
Ian Warwick, senior director, London Gifted and Talented
Ian Warwick is director of Myriad Learning, and as founder and senior director of London Gifted & Talented was a core part of the London Challenge. He started his career teaching in inner city comprehensives.
Denise Yates, chief executive, National Association of Gifted Children
Colm O'reilly, director at the Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland
This content is brought to you by Guardian Teacher Network in association with IGGY. Produced by Guardian Professional to a brief agreed with IGGY. Paid for by IGGY. All editorial controlled and overseen by the Guardian.