M73 - Equatio (free Chrome extension)

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.

1. Open a Google Chrome browser
2. Ensure you are signed in (you will need a Google account to use it)
3. Go to the Chrome Web Store
4. Search for Equatio
5. Click on the extension called Equatio - Maths made digital
6. Click on Add to Chrome
7. Click Add Extension
8. The extension will be added to your Google Chrome Extensions
9. 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.
10. 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 

1. Toggle Edit mode on
2. Click on Add an activity or resource
3. Choose Text and media area
4. Insert cursor in the text field
5. Click on the Extensions button in the top of your Google Chrome browser, open the Equatio extension and the Equatio toolbar will open below.
6. Click the Equation Editor (this is the first button with the Sigma icon in the Equatio toolbar). 
7. Type in an equation
8. Click 'Insert Math' and the Math will appear in the TinyMCE editor
9. Click Save and display.

Example 2: How to insert speech you have recorded and converted to Math 

1. Toggle Edit mode on
2. Click on Add an activity or resource
3. Choose Text and media area
4. Insert cursor in the text field
5. Click on the Extensions button in the top of your Google Chrome browser, open the Equatio extension and the Equatio toolbar will open below.
6. Click the Speech Input button
7. Click the red Start Speech Input button
8. 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
9. Click in the Math box on the right
10. Click 'Insert Math'
11. Close the Equation Editor and you will see the equation in the TinyMCE editor for the Text and Media area below. 
12. Click Save and return to course.

Example 3: How to insert Math with Handwriting Recognition

1. Toggle Edit mode on
2. Click on Add an activity or resource
3. Choose Text and media area
4. Insert cursor in the text field
5. Click on the Extensions button in the top of your Google Chrome browser, open the Equatio extension and the Equatio toolbar will open below.
6. Click the Handwriting Recognition button and write the equation in the Handwriting box and check it has converted correctly in the Math box
7. 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.
8. Close the Equation Editor.
9. In TinyMCE, select Tools and then 'Source code (</>)'.                                     
10. Paste the HTML code in the Source code pop up window and click Save.                 
11. You will see the equation in the TinyMCE editor. 
12. 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.

Further Information

Equatio academy

Equatio for Chrome Training Guide

Equatio Premium Features

Creating accessible content

UCL Digital Accessibility Services