Should education 'stretch a person do you think?

I have always been taught to do things to the best of my abilty, push myself to strive for more and never accept second place as a consolation prize. In todays world of work, people are faced with a very competitive, cut-throat style approach to progression. Therefore in order surrive out there 'in the jungle' its important we are equiped with the right skills.
So before reaching the big Bad world, its important that throughout out school lives we have been pushed to the limit to achieve our best. (This refers to stretching people)

The introduction of new media in schools is a great idea. Often you see supermarkets promoting some sort of scheme which'll help give so many computers to schools. It's important that children learn from a young age how to use these technological advancements as they seem to be part of our everyday lives. However its important that children do learn not to rely on digital workings as a means of getting by. For example the idea that people will reach for a calculator before using there brain. This shows the negitives of new technoligies whilst many encourage simulation quite often their a means of taking the lazy way out.
The best way to 'stretch' children in education is not to make the work seem like so much work. Interactivity and making things fun play a vital part in the learning process. Prensky, himself goes as far as to say that children would learn algebra quicker and easier through a game format.

However there is a obvious counter-arguement to this. It's important that teachers and school systems don't push students over the edge. I know (whilst now comparing them my work now were far easier) that durning my GCSE's, i felt under pressure to do well, whether it was from my parents or the fact that teachers bombare you with practice-tests and then stick a pridected grade on your fore-head!! So now you have something to live up to.!!

Overall thought if a relaxed approach is taken towards education, its only going to encourage the couch potato phenomena.