So, to entice teachers to implement computer-assisted instructional software in the classrooms, Stephenson wants to try a different approach.

Instead of simply allocating funding for computer technology, he wants to buy software licenses and distribute them to schools and districts in the form of grants. He said that in past education legislation, when funding is competitively available in the form of grants, educators go after them "like sharks fighting over a fish."

"(I've) learned that educators' drug of choice is grants — they smell grants, and they will move heaven and earth to qualify," Stephenson said.

He said that along with making the process competitive, the grant process will also ensure that teachers will use the software effectively.

"If we were to buy licenses and just pass them out they would mostly sit on a shelf, but when you give them their drug of choice they will focus in the optimum way to make sure it works," Stephenson said.

Rick Gaisford, technology specialist for the State Office of Education, said that last year Utah's public schools ranked last in the nation when it comes to access to technology in the classroom.

He said last year's $60 million technology infusion is "making a tremendous difference in the schools" and said that although an ongoing commitment is needed to catch up, the appropriation was a step in the right direction.

And both educators and lawmakers agree technology in the classroom needs to be beefed up.

"Right now kids are falling between the cracks because of the absence of this technology in Utah schools," Stephenson said.

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com