As the times change so do the methods in which students learn.

Parents may notice that as new classes are introduced into schools, more and more of them will involve the use of advanced technology.

Even as students learn about essential topics, such as history, math and English, computers are helping children who fell behind catch up with their peers. Elementary aged children who have trouble with math and reading can receive remedial instruction through the iReady computer program offered at local schools.

And the use of computers does not stop there. Some 20 years ago, elective options may have included agriculture, meat cutting and mechanics, none of which required the use of computers.

Today, the newest classes to replace

those previous offerings focus on emerging technology, such as 3D printing, a class found at Picayune School District’s Career and Technology Center. Even classes that provide students with experience in careers that have been around for some time, such as architecture and drafting, now utilize computers to get the work done faster while also creating 3D renderings of the buildings being designed.

But even now, the use of computers is nearly essential in the professions of agriculture and auto mechanics. Farmers may not use as many computer programs as other professions, but those that do have access to up-to-date weather forecasts on the Internet and can learn about upcoming technologies that could help increase crop yields.

Mechanics now also utilize computers to run diagnostics on vehicles, helping them to identify the problem even before lifting the hood. Every vehicle made since 1996 has a central computer that monitors engine performance and records errors in the system. In order to read that information, students will need experience with computers.

Spending too much time on a computer may have been frowned upon five or ten years ago, but these days knowing your way around one is almost necessary to complete day-to-day tasks.