LA CROSSE CO., Wis.-- Our kids are growing up in a digital age, which creates a unique challenge for teachers trying to keep them engaged and excited in the classroom. Wednesday is "Digital Learning Day" declared by Wisconsin State Superintendent Tony Evers highlighting how new technology can help students succeed.

"What do Pirates say?" said John Hendricks, Sparta School District Superintendent.

"Arg," replied students at Lawrence-Lawson Elementary in Sparta.

It's definitely not your typical story time. Wednesday, Hendricks read to students at Lawrence-Lawson Elementar; only he's at the La Crosse Public Library communicating with them through Skype.

"The world is just full with technology," said Hendricks. "Where ever you go, there's technology and so we shouldn't try to avoid it, we should embrace it and use it in the best possible way."

It's just one of the many ways schools in Sparta are using new technology including computers, iPads and smart boards to help kids learn. 

Linda Watson over at North Woods Elementary in La Crosse agrees. Embracing technology in the classroom is becoming the new norm to communicate with students.

"Today's children are digital learners and because of all this new technology we see kids on task, engaged, excited about learning," said Watson. 

And it's everywhere, from writing a book summary with a visual twist, to practicing reading and writing skills in a foreign language. That includes English. 

"It's fun," said Karina Tereshchenko, a first grader at North Woods Elementary.  

Karina came to North Woods all the way from the Ukraine speaking only Russian. With the help of patient teachers, some learning apps and games on an iPad and three months later, English is becoming less of a foreign language for her.

"She's able to understand what we are asking her to do and not be completely lost and confused during the day," said Watson. 

Just all examples of how technology in the classroom is here to stay. 

They are not the typical learners that we were growing up that they just want to sit and get and we as schools have to be progressive and move along and recognize this is how kids learn today," said Watson.

Superintendent Evers' 'Digital Learning Council' recommends schools offer students a mix of online and traditional classes. The council also suggests developing an online tool to help educators across the state share methods for using technology in the classroom.