Textures can be added to the inside of text of specific words to help teach meaning. Providing a visualization of a word can help it stick with someone’s memory. Textures can be added using Word Art in Microsoft Word, Adobe Firefly, and/or the Text Effects feature of Adobe Creative Cloud Express which is available to all educators in Loudoun County Public Schools through LCPS Go. Below are some examples of verbs (core vocabulary words) illustrated with representative textures.
The Audio Trace feature of Desmos allows a user to explore a graph using sound rather than or in addition to sight. Although primarily intended for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, it can be useful for anyone who might use sound to discover how one or more curves are graphed. To experience a basic summary of an expression on a particular graph press the key command ALT + S on a Chromebook or Windows computer (or OPTION + S on a Mac). Similarly, a user can experience an audio description of the graph axes (including whether the X and Y axes are displayed, their ranges and labels if available, the existence of grid lines, etc) by pressing ALT + G on a Chromebook or Windows computer (or OPTION + G on a Mac). Audio trace mode can be activated on a Chromebook or Windows computer by pressing ALT + T (or OPTION + T on a Mac). To learn more, explore this article titled Audio Trace for Expressions with a Graph by the Desmos accessibility team.
The Speech Input feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO converts speech into equations and other mathematical and scientific symbols into digital and accessible characters. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Speech Input tool. Then, press the red circle button and speak the math equation or symbol. The digital character will be generated on the right in the Math area which can then be inserted into a file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Speech Input function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
The handwriting recognition feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO converts handwritten equations and other mathematical and scientific symbols into digital and accessible characters. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Handwriting Recognition tool. Then, using a finger, stylus, or any other conductive tool, write the math equation or symbol in the Handwriting area. The digital character will be generated on the right in the Math area which can then be inserted into a file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Handwriting Recognition function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
The Google Chrome extension EquatIO invites users to create graphs using Desmos. The Equation Editor features of EquatIO allow a user to create equations that will populate a graph. The Equation Editor allows for various ways to create equations including typing with prediction, speech to math, and handwriting conversion. Users can then transfer the graph to another file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to create graphs using EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Learners sometimes make mistakes with math because they have not lined up the numbers properly. A strategy that might help is to use the Google Chrome extension EquatIO to automatically align the numbers. Use the Equation Editor in EquatIO to generate math on the first line. Press “Enter” to move the cursor to the second line. A series of icons will appear in the menu bar which can be used to align the math. The math will be aligned to the left by default Select Align Left, Align Center, Align Right, or Align by Relation based on need or preference. Aligning by relation will allow the user to align by the equal sign which will create another column in order for this to happen. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
The prediction feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO invites users to begin to generate an equation and then choose from options to complete that equation. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Equation Editor and begin typing any mathematical or scientific equation. EquatIO will display options of that the equation. The following video is a short demonstration of how the prediction feature works in EquatIO. At the time this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Learners can capture handwritten equations in videos and other media using the ScreenShot Reader feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO and convert them into digital characters. Open a video, like one found on YouTube or in Google Drive. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the ScreenShot Reader. Lasso the equation displayed on the screen. EquatIO will take a moment to scan and convert the equation. Once finished, the equation will automatically be read aloud. Using the three dots on the far right, users can choose to copy the converted equation and then paste it into another application, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the ScreenShot Reader function in EquatIO to capture, convert, copy, and then paste an equation. At the time this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Learners can listen to equations using the ScreenShot Reader feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO. Select ScreenShot Reader and lasso the equation or equations to be read aloud. EquatIO will take a moment to scan and convert the equation. Once finished, the equation will automatically be read aloud. Any learner who can listen to the equation can now have the equation provided in an auditory format. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the ScreenShot Reader function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Registration for the 2022 STEMIEFest is now open! This virtual conference is organized by STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE). STEMIEFest is an opportunity for families, early childhood and early childhood special education professionals, and other educators to participate in learning experiences related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as well as construct a model to support young children, with and without disabilities, in STEM learning. The 2022 event will runs from 12pm – 4pm EST on December 8th, 2022. Experience archived events from previous STEMIEFests as well!