Joplin school highlights technology for Digital Learning Day - KOAM TV 7

Joplin school highlights technology for Digital Learning Day

Technology in schools is more than just computers these days and during Digital Learning Day teachers put even more electronic gadgets to use.

Pedometers were part of P.E. classes while 4th graders Skyped with another class for the first time.  Students use iPads to record science diaries while apps allow music students to learn notes on recorder with games.

Teachers say using technology makes educational lessons real world.

"It keeps it fresh, it's the tools we use as adults," says West Central fifth grade teacher John Wilcox.  "When we need to learn about a place or how to get to a place what do we do?  We get on Google, on Google Maps, it puts the learning in the hands of the students."

"I like it because it's hand's on," says West Central Elementary fourth grade student Naomi Lewis.  "It's basically like I'm not even learning - having more fun with technology.  It's not writing out with paper and pencil."

West Central has about 30 iPad, several iPods, and smartboards and computers in classrooms.