Back-to-school shopping can take a toll on your wallet. Now along with the typical rulers and binders, B.C. students are asking for things like smart phones and computer tablets.

New research from Ipsos Reid suggests high-tech gadgets are high up on the list of back-to-school items in B.C. this year, with 30 per cent of shoppers polled saying they planned to buy a high-tech device. Here's how the survey broke down:

  • Twenty-two per cent plan to buy computers and printers
  • Five per cent will purchase smart phones
  • Three per cent of parents will buy their kids tablet computers
  • One per cent plan to purchase e-readers

But do those high-tech gadgets really give kids an edge? Peter Seward, co-owner of in-house tutoring service Tutor Doctor, says high-tech tools like mini computers are especially valuable for students making the transition to junior or high school this year.

"Elementary students are really told what to do and how to do it, and so once the student makes that transition from grade eight, they're now in an environment where they have to be responsible, and do things for themselves and be more organized," said Seward.

That's where something like a smart phone can play a role. Students can use an organizer or calendar app to keep track of assignments and exams at school and then sync the information with their home computer.

"The other option is once it's linked they can go straight to the student and parent connect, which are the online systems that every school has to make sure they've got the dates correct. They can also view their grades," said Seward.

But if you don't have the budget for high-tech gadgets, you don't have to fret. When it comes to organization, Seward says simple and inexpensive planners that keep a student's school work in one place work just as well.

Another cheap educational option is an erasable white board. Seward says some students are more visual and retain information better when they can clearly see it written in front of them.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lynda Steele