I was very surprised to hear that the higher the reward the lower the production. I have always used some kind of reward for motivating my students to do better, turn in homework, keep their area tidy, etc... the list goes on and on. I did sit and ponder why the kids today have zero intrinsic motivation. Why can't they do all that is asked and the feeling of having done their best be the reward? I don't know how to teach them to be proud of their work and to know that they are making the right choices. Technology can be very motivating. It's exciting for my kiddos to use the Smartboard, computers, wordle, etc. But like I have said before, unless the activities can stay upbeat and exciting the students will eventually lose their motivation. My class is only as excited as I am. If I come in with a huge smile and great expectations and get "overly" excited then my class is eager to see what I'm about to do/teach. But if I present the same lesson with a bad attitude then I have lost them. It doesn't matter if it's technology or a board game. I'm exhausted by the end of the day but I have had motivated students who are eager to return!