Math Made Accessible

Math can be made both digital and accessible using EquatIO, an extension for Google Chrome available to anyone in LCPS. Students and teachers can choose to insert mathematical equations and scientific notations into a Google Doc using a variety of modalities including typing, handwriting recognition, and voice dictation. The extension recognizes the input, converts it into the corresponding mathematical notation, and then inserts it into the Google Doc. The extension uses prediction as well so students can start a mathematical formula or notation and choose from a provided list of options. 

Speech Input feature of EquatIO

Speech Input feature of EquatIO

Once the math is inserted, Read&Write for Google Chrome can be used to listen back to the notation which helps students who might have difficulty processing the information using only a visual modality. The extension also offers a feature called Mathspace which allows users to insert different manipulatives such as shapes and images to create diagrams for math and science problems. To learn more about EquatIO and how it can be used to design inclusive educational experiences which help students learn how to make meaningful contributions to the world, check out this playlist of tutorials on YouTube.

Examples of some of the tools available for diagrams and other manipulatives available in the Mathspace portion of EquatIO.

Examples of some of the tools available for diagrams and other manipulatives available in the Mathspace portion of EquatIO.