Technology's role in back-to-school shopping increases

When the new academic year begins, many students will find themselves using more technology as their schools continue to implement the Common Core State Standards. As tablet computers, smartphones and other mobile gadgets are becoming more common in classrooms, offices and other settings, it should come as no surprise to learn that technology now plays a bigger role in the back-to-school shopping process as well.

This is one of many findings contained in the recently released results of a PriceGrabber survey. To gain insight into consumers' back-to-school shopping habits, the ecommerce website polled 1,937 individuals. Their responses show the Internet's role in the process is expanding - especially when it comes to scoring great deals.

For example, 80 percent of respondents believe that the back-to-school promotions can be found online, while 33 percent think flipping through the pages of newspapers is the way to go. At the same time, 52 percent of shoppers reported that the best deals can be found on the Internet as opposed to in stores.

If parents choose to shop for back-to-school supplies over the Web, they should consider including their children in the process. The more familiar kids become with technology, the better equipped they may be to tackle instruction that incorporates the Internet and mobile devices.