As kids return to classes this month, most of you see them hauling bags filled with paper, pens, folders and the like.

It wasn't too long ago that we started hearing parents complain about having to buy pricey computer thumb drives (which thankfully have since come down in price dramatically). And now the talk in some education circles is about having even more technology become part of the list.

We reported earlier this year about Clearwater High's plan to ditch textbooks in favor of e-readers. USA Today reports today about districts that are asking families to buy laptops for their kids (and yes, the districts are providing computers for the kids who can't afford them).

It seems clear that students need to be able to use the most up-to-date technology in today's work environment. But how important is it to make sure every student has a computer to use every day in school? And who should be paying for it, particularly in the current budget situation that has Florida schools working first to reduce class sizes?

Just some ideas to ponder on a rainy back-to-school/election day.

(Times file photo)