M73 - Equatio (free Chrome extension)
- 1 What is it?
- 2 Why use it?
- 3 Who can use it?
- 4 What can you do with it?
- 5 Before you start...
- 6 How do you use the Equatio extension with Moodle?
- 6.1 Getting started
- 6.2 Example 1: How to insert text you have typed into the Equation Editor
- 6.3 Example 2: How to insert speech you have recorded and converted to Math
- 6.4 Example 3: How to insert Math with Handwriting Recognition
- 6.5 Example 4: How to use the LaTeX Editor
- 6.6 Example 5: How to use the Graph Editor
- 7 Further Information
What is it?
You may have heard of texthelp's literacy support tool Read&Write but did you know that they also have an education tool called Equatio which helps support the creation of accessible mathematical content online? There are various paid for Premium versions of Equatio for Google, Windows, Mac and LMS, but for the purpose of this guide, we will focus on what it is possible to achieve using the free Google Chrome extension with Moodle.
Why use it?
Equatio can help you create maths expressions without having to use any code or programming languages. You can easily create formulas and equations through keyboard input, handwriting recognition or voice recording. It is also compatible with LaTeX for more advanced users. In addition, it allows some graphing input.
Who can use it?
Teaching staff, students and anyone with a Google Chrome browser.
What can you do with it?
The following features are included with the free Google Chrome Extension:
Google Docs Integration
Microsoft Word Online Integration
Maths-to-Speech (with Read&Write)
Multi-Line Support
Inline Math with Text
LaTeX
Desmos Graphing Input (Static; 1 expression without prediction)
Handwriting Recognition (2 x per day)
Speech Input
EquatIO Academy
Insert Text
Text Colour
More Options: General
More Options: Symbols
Before you start...
... you will need to install the Google Chrome extension.
Open a Google Chrome browser
Ensure you are signed in (you will need a Google account to use it)
Go to the Chrome Web Store
Search for Equatio
Click on the extension called Equatio - Maths made digital
Click on Add to Chrome
Click Add Extension
The extension will be added to your Google Chrome Extensions
You can access the Extensions in the top right of your Google Chrome browser by clicking on the shortcut button which resembles a jigsaw icon.
Click on Equatio to open the toolbar in your Google Chrome browser.
How do you use the Equatio extension with Moodle?
Getting started
Navigate to your Moodle course where you wish to use Equatio (ensure you are using the Google Chrome browser). You can create mathematical content in various ways with the Equatio extension then insert it into any Moodle text editor. Text editors are available anywhere where text and media can be added on Moodle. This includes Text and Media areas (formerly Labels), Pages, Books, Discussion Forum messages, Assignment instructions, Quiz questions etc.
The first three examples illustrate how to use Equatio with a Text and Media area (formerly know as a Moodle label).
Example 1: How to insert text you have typed into the Equation Editor
Toggle Edit mode on
Click on Add an activity or resource
Choose Text and media area
Insert cursor in the text field
Click on the Extensions button in the top of your Google Chrome browser, open the Equatio extension and the Equatio toolbar will open below.
Click the Equation Editor (this is the first button with the Sigma icon in the Equatio toolbar).
Type in an equation
Click 'Insert Math' and the Math will appear in the TinyMCE editor
Click Save and display.
Example 2: How to insert speech you have recorded and converted to Math
Toggle Edit mode on
Click on Add an activity or resource
Choose Text and media area
Insert cursor in the text field
Click on the Extensions button in the top of your Google Chrome browser, open the Equatio extension and the Equatio toolbar will open below.
Click the Speech Input button
Click the red Start Speech Input button
Record the equation and check it has recorded correctly. Pause the recording and you will see your speech converted to math in the Math box
Click in the Math box on the right
Click 'Insert Math'
Close the Equation Editor and you will see the equation in the TinyMCE editor for the Text and Media area below.
Click Save and return to course.
Example 3: How to insert Math with Handwriting Recognition
Toggle Edit mode on
Click on Add an activity or resource
Choose Text and media area
Insert cursor in the text field
Click on the Extensions button in the top of your Google Chrome browser, open the Equatio extension and the Equatio toolbar will open below.
Click the Handwriting Recognition button and write the equation in the Handwriting box and check it has converted correctly in the Math box
Click in the Math box on the right and then click the Copy Math As button and choose the format you wish to use. This will be added to the clipboard and you can then paste this in the Text Editor as needed. We recommend you use HTML for Moodle which would be more accessible than an image.
Close the Equation Editor.
In TinyMCE, select Tools and then 'Source code (</>)'.
Paste the HTML code in the Source code pop up window and click Save.
You will see the equation in the TinyMCE editor.
Click Save and return to course.
Example 4: How to use the LaTeX Editor
See the introduction video on how to use the LaTeX Editor in Equatio. This is for more advanced users.
Example 5: How to use the Graph Editor
See the introduction video on how to use the Graph Editor. This is powered by Desmos. Please note with the free version of the Google Chrome extension, you are only able to use one expression. You will need the premium version to get full access.