Paper is so passe

El Segundo High and Dana Middle in the Wiseburn District are piloting courses that blend online learning and advanced technology with traditional teaching.

"These days, technology is really a child's primary language," said Dana's principal, Matthew Wunder. "Part of the goal in education is engagement, and (technology) is a tool that they know and embrace."

And El Segundo instructor Ray Gen says:

"Our job is to turn the content (of classes) into a media that students enjoy. If you have it in a cool media, it's more fun than the traditional, `Here's some paper, do something with it.'

"Paper is a 5,000-year-old technology," he added. "It used to be cool, but it's not anymore. Schools are laggards, traditionally, in technology, but we should be at the forefront, not the rear guard."

Here's Shelly Leachman's story.