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I’m not a math scholar so don’t expect me to explain what all the complicated symbols mean in those senior high and college math textbooks. I’m quite prepared to leave the job of teaching and deciphering the esoteric language of complex equations to the people with the training and aptitude for the subject. However, as an educator, I fully appreciate the potential learning benefits and opportunities that can be created when course content is married to the expansive powers of technology, especially the World Wide Web. Countless educators have discovered that computer technology can add new dimensions to how and where learning occurs. Web-based core and supplementary course materials are widely utilized by educators and students to extend the learning process beyond the walls of the classroom.
MathType 5.0 software, developed by Design Science, is a product that enables educators and other professionals to produce sophisticated mathematical and scientific documents in electronic form. In addition to this capability, MathType 5.0 is a valuable tool to assist students and others with disabilities compose math and science expressions through computer access technologies.
Design Science Products Provide Solutions
The standard Windows math authoring software, Equation Editor, is bundled with Microsoft Office software. This program, also developed by Design Science, has been licensed to Microsoft and Corel. Equation Editor is not automatically installed when the MS Office setup is run and must be installed manually as it is not part of the default installation process.
The Design Science product MathType 5.0, released in October 2001, is the professional upgrade to the Equation Editor in Microsoft Office. As well as supporting the electronic delivery of mathematical content, both of these products are enabling tools for individuals with disabilities who must depend on computer input for math and science expression. For example, a quadriplegic student unable to communicate math and science concepts in written form is able to participate through computer access technologies such as a head pointer device with switch control. Using these assistive technologies with MathType 5.0 would allow this student to independently carry out math and science calculations. Others with less severe disabilities such as fine motor control problems that interfere with writing and legibility may also benefit from access to this software. MathType 5.0 is regarded as a valuable authoring tool for disabled students who wish to further their studies in math and !
science.
The Challenge of Electronic Math
From a computer programming perspective, text-based course content can be easily delivered by electronic means while retaining the desired formatting on the computer screen. Electronic text can be readily designed to create interactive and dynamic forms of learning. However, presenting mathematical language with its complexity of symbols, numbers, text and unusual alignments in a consistent, interactive and accessible electronic format has been a far more difficult achievement for computer programmers.
The technical problems associated with putting math on the Web have been the concern of some topnotch brains focused on exploiting the potential of the Internet for scientific communication on a global scale. In 1994, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the standards body for the Web, got started on developing an effective framework for Math on the Web. The many facets of this problem required cooperative efforts to develop the desired support for mathematical notation on the Web. Over the years new math rendering technologies such as improved HTML layout and advanced browser capabilities brought about improvements in the delivery of Math on the Web.
MathType 5.0 Helps Put Math on the Web
MathType 5.0 provides support to create equations in TeX and MathML, the XML-based standard for publishing math on the Web. Most importantly, the new MathPageTM technology of Version 5.0 smoothly converts Microsoft Word documents into good-looking Web pages. MathType 5.0 provides the flexibility to save equations as GIF images, EPS and WMF files. The exclusive Euclid Math Font Set gives text and mathematical notation a consistent, industry-standard TeX/LaTeX computer modern look. These are some of the built-in capabilities that make this software an indispensable tool for webmasters working with technical documents.
Other Features of MathType 5.0
MathType 5.0 is an equation editing software package that has a collection of over 500 symbols and templates to assist computer users. The customizable equation toolbar facilitates efficient organization. Colour options are available along with the ability to create keyboarding shortcuts. Automatic equation numbering and referencing are available in MS Word. The MathZoomTM technology is a built in accessibility feature that enlarges an equation when it is clicked, making it much easier to see small accents, superscripts, and subscripts. Additional product features are listed in the MathType 5.0 and Equation Editor comparison chart available at www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/win/features.htm
For individuals working, studying or instructing in the fields of math and science, MathType 5.0 is an equation authoring software package capable of taking math and science concepts as well as students with special needs beyond the restrictive limitations of the pencil and paper environment. To learn more about MathType 5.0 and other products developed by Design Science, visit their web site at www.dessci.com
Copyright © Janet Hopkins, 2002, may only be used or duplicated with permission.
Janet Hopkins is an educator and RESNA certified Assistive Technology Practitioner. Janet is the moderator of the Assistive Technology Canada Listserv, a discussion group to support educators and members of the public who want to share information about special needs technology.
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