Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) - Chalk and blackboards just don't cut it in today's schools.

Schools are now utilizing more technology than ever before.

The Twin Falls School District is among the many in our area using new smart board technology.

In Juli Hall's eleventh grade class, a digital screen is a whole new way of teaching.

Smart boards at canyon ridge high school offer another way to learn through interactive text messaging.

"The texting in the classroom and interactive white board technology. I can go right to the internet from my white board and it's phenomenal. Anything that's tech, I latch on it. I love it,” said Juli Hall, Teacher, Canyon Ridge High School.

Participating in class is easy; all it takes is a cell phone or a computer. After the day's discussion topic is posted by the teacher, students text their answers which appear on the board for everyone to see.

"The computer goes through the white board itself. There is a device that attaches to the side of it which brings my computer applications onto the white board. I have a pen that allows me to write as if it's chalk,” said Hall.

Teachers are taking advantage of technology to re–engage students in learning.

"I think it's nice. It helps us. It's better learning and keeps us more involved,” said Adair Tello, Student, Canyon Ridge High School.

"It’s their world. It's where they live. They're in the technology all the time. It's an easy way to reach them and it's immediate,” said Hall.

There are 302 smart boards in the district and hopefully more in the future.

Going back to teaching without a smart board? Not even an option for Mrs. Hall.

The average cost for interactive projectors which include both the projector and the smart board is around $1,400.

While the district has funded a large portion of this, the Twin Falls School District Education Foundation has contributed $150,000 to the project.