Things are getting a lot more high-tech around the Warren County Extension Office these days.

Warren County Extension Agent Anna McCain has been using more technology in the office and in the field, and two classes set for this week focus on some everyday tech tips for using a cloud service and finding ways to better use iPhones and iPads.

“We think our professionals, especially our small business owners will enjoy it,” McCain said of the classes.

In June, the extension office launched a Facebook page in an effort to better share information with the community.

“We’re really trying to reach a new generation of extension clients,” McCain said.

Also, she’s spent more time using an iPad in the field to complete reports and give members of the public speedy answers for their agricultural and gardening problems.

In generations past, extension clients might wait weeks for results of a question about spots on plants or a dead patch of grass. Now a fully customized report is available in a few minutes.

“It automatically creates a report for me when I’m with them. It makes it more personalized,” McCain said.

The public has a chance to learn from these innovations during two classes this week.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Mississippi State professor Richard Estrella will teach a class on Internet blogging and using cloud services, basically a network of other computers used for storage. Cost of the class is $20.

“A lot of people get confused about which is the best company and when to and when not to use it,” McCain said.

At 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Mississippi State extension professor Jamie Varner will teach a class about Apple tablet computers and phones. The cost of that class is also $20.

“It’s about how to use those to enhance your business,” McCain said.

In addition, the extension office offers Quick Bites programs Thursdays at noon.

The information programs are taught via interactive teleconferences with Mississippi State University Extension professors and other experts on a variety of topics related to agriculture, gardening and business.

For more information on any of the Extension Office programs, call 601-636-5442.