This week I have tried to keep up with a Math 2.0 online unconference hosted in Moodle. Even though I really don’t have the time I always try to fit in a few minutes a day to participate in events like these because I always come away with new things to think about, new people in my PLN and new resources. One question that I asked was about ways for students to enter equations in blog posts and I got a great response that I wanted to make sure I could come back to. So below are the answers I received:
David:
There are two relatively easy methods for embedding equations that I have found.
1. Use Microsoft equation editor (in Word) take screen shots of the individual equations, paste those screen shots into Microsoft paint and save the equations as individual images, then students upload the equations as images to the blog. Big advantage: Students learn how to use the editor in Word which is useful if they have to do offline project work.
2. Use http://sitmo.com/latex and create the equations using their online editor, save the images to their own computers and upload the equations as images. Advantage: Operating system independent and largely browser independent as well.
Claire:
Another good online editor is codecogs’ equation editor. It generates a gif which you can easily click on to download. It also generates html code.
Bob:
There’s another solution … MathType. If a school has a site license for MathType, the license allows all students and teachers to load it on home computers and laptops. MathType will produce the LaTeX for you, so there’s no need for screen shots, or going through lots of gyrations by trying to get the kids to learn LaTeX.
WordPress.com is a free blogging service that has LaTeX built in (not all blogs do). An added benefit to using WordPress and MathType is that if you already have equations in Word or PowerPoint, it’s a simple matter to get them into the blog without retyping them or taking a screen shot. It works the other way too — you can drag an equation directly from WordPress into MathType and use it anywhere.
I also asked some questions about ways to use Wikis in the math classroom and was really lucky to meet Colleen, who shared these links:
Some Wiki links that might be useful:
7 Things You Should Know About Wikis
Other ideas
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