Google Docs

Google Docs is a substitute for MS Word or Apple's Pages. Like most of Google's alternatives, it is not as powerful as the Microsoft or Apple versions, but, in most cases, it will do what you want it to do. It does, however, have two key advantages, namely the ability for anyone to collaborate on a document and the ability to access revision history, although the latter is only available through the browser version of the application. You will notice that the iPad applications are 'lite' versions of the browser version. I almost always use the Google applications on my School PC or Mac at home, the iPad gives me additional access when I am not at my desk. For example, I might produce a lesson resource on my School PC, but access it via my iPad in the classroom. Students familiar with MS Word are likely to be resistant to switching to Docs because they might not see the need to change, but for connectivity with Google Classroom it is important that you insist they do. This will change over time as students lower down the School get used to using Google applications.