Though pens, pencils and paper still are customary school supplies, so are smart phones and tablets. Students in high school, and sometimes in earlier grades, use the devices for notes, picture-taking, online research and other applications. Digital tools also include scientific calculators, e-readers and perhaps laptops for high school. Even certain textbooks are available for downloading.

About 55 percent of families with children in grades K-12 are expected to buy electronics for this new school year, a National Retail Federation survey shows. Many districts have eased technology policies to let students bring devices to classes, which saves money and lets learners work on a familiar hand-held or laptop. Some schools even incorporate Facebook and Twitter into activities by encouraging students over age 13 to have social media discussion groups or tweet during workshops and projects. School Wi-Fi networks can include teacher-activated applications to block web surfing or game playing, even on personal iPads or other tablets.

Electronics makers, stores and service providers have back-to-school ads aimed at this market, naturally. In one, a cloud-based data backup service says: "For the student who is prone to accidental deletions or loses papers before they're due, Anytime, Anywhere Access ensures they can download, print or email their backed up files from any computer, iOS or Android device." The tablet market has become especially competitive, with smaller manufacturers offering variations of Android-based tablets for far less than some better-known models. For example, Chinese manufacturer Ainovo offers the Novo 7 Basic tablet for around $99. It lacks some features of costlier versions, but is effective for basic Web browsing and email.

Consumer observer says: "This year, parents are spending more on technology for their kids, not only for entertainment but to help them learn. Spending is up across the board on laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones and e-readers." – Kimberly Litt, public affairs manager at American Express

Tech journalist writes: "Long gone are the days when back to school supplies were simply a set of nicely sharpened pencils and binders filled with blank paper." – Daniel Edwards, Digital Journal magazine

Retail executive says: "The Acer Iconia W3 is an affordable eight-inch tablet that includes Office for free. This tablet costs as little as $349." – Connor Kearney, Staples vice president of computing