DES MOINES, Iowa -- Technology is adding a digital dimension to classrooms of a Des Moines school these days.

It's called a Smart Board. Teachers and students said they love what it can do.

A Smart Board is a multimedia, touch-screen board that is hooked up to a computer and allows teachers to download pictures, videos and educational games.

St. Joseph's Catholic School on East 33rd Street in Des Moines has one in every classroom.

Science teacher Jennifer Simmons challenges her students to a bubble gum test.

"We're going to calculate your chomping speed," Simmon said.

A Smart Board will help her do it.

"Educational research tells us that students today learn differently than we did," said Principal Philly Konchar.

The school has 11 Smart Boards. Each costs more than a $1,000. Money from several grants helped pay for them.

"It makes the class more interactive. We can all get involved in the lessons we've learned," said student Rachel Schatz.

"It's great because it gets kids up out of the desk and do something interactive," said teacher Lisa Brown.

Brown showed how students can take on the role of a surgeon.

"It will show you which hip needs surgery -- the right one or the left one -- then go up here and pick which one," she said.

Or they can play a spelling game. Brown said they match different words, and the board makes sounds.

Teachers and students think getting these boards could be one of the smartest decisions the school has ever made.

"I think it's more fun to be in class," said student Kennedie Dehart.