There are three basic types of styli available for use with iPads – but which ones can be used depends on what model iPad you have [each class has a different model, mostly].
Stylus Types
“Rubbery Tip” – these are the cheapest [and therefore the least painful when they are lost.] They should work with all iPads on campus. The downside is that some people really don’t like how they feel when writing.
Bluetooth – [also known as “active”]. These use Bluetooth to communicate with the iPad, and thus require pairing, and have an internal (rechargeable) battery. Many of these feel better when writing, compared to the rubbery type – and there are a variety of designs available that can feel quite a bit different. On the downside they are more expensive, and require charging – so if you are the type who usually forgets to charge up your iPad, this type would add another recharge thing to your list. This type should also work with all iPads on campus. CLICK HERE for a sample Amazon search for this type.
Apple Pencil / Logitech Crayon – These two products will only work with iPad 5 and iPad 6 [2017, 2018] – i.e. Freshmen and Sophomores. [NOTE: Apple Pencil ONE, not the Pencil TWO that was recently released.] These are on the more expensive side, but do work well and feel quite nice. The Pencil is $89 from the Apple Education Store [Simply Mac over in the Shoppes at Riverside Crossing may match that price.] Click here to see a web search for the Logitech product, which is less expensive and works well but is not as “slick”.