Monday, May 26, 2014

g(Math) is updated and can now plot 2 functions in the same graph.

Thanks for the continued positive feedback. I have updated g(Math) to reflect one of the most requested features, plotting more than 1 function on the same graph. You should see the latest version in your Add-on menu in the next 60 minutes!
I am working on other features, like changing the color of the functions. Other features are proving to be difficult but I am trying to add them, like labeling the graphs and changing the scaling of the graph. I am continuing to add prebuilt LaTeX codes as requested and believe I am caught up. If you would like to see something added, please let me know.
Also, g(Math) for Sheets is in the final stages and should be live by Wednesday!!
Please keep the feedback coming and I will try to add the changes if they are possible!

Friday, May 23, 2014

g(Math) has been updated in the Add-on store.

Thanks to the overwhelming positive response to my release of the g(Math) Add-on. I have received lots of great feedback and I have updated the Add-on to include a lot more Prebuilt LaTeX expressions. 
You do not need to do anything to get the newest version of the Add-on if you already have installed it (which is a huge benefit that I see about Add-ons)
If you have other expressions you would like to see added, let me know!
I am in the process of adding the functionality to graph more than one equation on the same same graph and it should be updated by the end on the weekend. 
Additionally, g(Math) for Sheets should be live in the next week which will allow you to create Form questions using g(Math)!!

Monday, May 19, 2014

g(Math) is now available as an Add-on live in the Google Chrome Store!

I am super excited that gMath is now available as an official Add-on live in the Google Chrome store. You can now add it to your Add-on list when you access it from a Google Doc.

1. Click on the Add-on Menu in a Google Doc and choose Get Add-on.

2. In the Add-on Menu scroll down until you see gMath (it will soon be searchable).

3. Click on the Free button in the gMath block.

4. Now an authorization window will pop up. 
5. Click Accept and it will take you back to your Google Doc. If you see the box describing gMath, it was successful!

6. Have fun using gMath! If you have an issue, you can let me know by clicking the Help button and Report an issue. 

7. If you would like to give me feedback on what you like or what you wish you could do, let me know at google.com/+JohnMcGowan, +John McGowan or @jmacattak on Twitter.




Thursday, May 15, 2014

Create a Google Site for each student from a Spreadsheet.

Last night in our Singapore Google Apps Scripting Lab, +Nathan Horne had an idea to create individual Google Sites based off of students in a spreadsheet. We messed around with the SitesApp and kept getting error codes that we couldn't figure out.

I was able to figure out the errors. It was the site name. You can't have spaces and you can't have capital letters and some special characters in the URL (the 2nd parameter). 

Here is a sample spreadsheet that works:
http://goo.gl/bjbWxL

You might need to make a copy and run in your own domain, not sure about that.
One issue that I would fix to make it better is to allow you to put the name in Caps and figure out how to change it to all lower case letters. 
I would try to use a loop and the method .toLowerCase(). 

I think this would be a cool way to have student grade sheets and haven't explored the option before (or the SitesApp). Thanks for pointing us in that direction +Nathan Horne! I was also wondering about creating a Google Drive folder and embedding it in that site and then using a DriveApp method to put assignments in there or use Doctopus Add-on to send to student Assignment folders created in gClassFolders. This might be a nice way to communicate with parents!

g(Math) Help

Thanks for installing my Add-on! gMath can directly input graphs and complex math into your Google Doc.

Some Help tips:
The full complement of LaTeX commands are not supported, although many are. If you are having difficulty finding the LaTeX command you want to create, check out these resources:



For gGraph: You must have your equation in y= format. Also, if you want to multiply two terms together you must use the * operator. So if you want 3x, you must type 3*x.

There has been a lot of interest in changing the axes and zooming in on different windows of the graph. Currently, I am unable to make these changes. Essentially because it is hard. If you want a robust grapher, check out Desmos or plot.ly. They are super awesome!

Some user created tutorials:

+Jeremy Bell's tutorial:
http://jeremyteachhacks.blogspot.sg/2014/06/how-to-create-math-documents-quick-and.html

+Phil Ballard's review:
http://www.mousewhisperer.co.uk/drivebunny/add-on-review-gmath-for-google-documents

+Greg Lawrence's tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6bKSkgV2ak

+Michael Mitchell's tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eoyliyh7xw

+Kevin Fairchild's video help:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLto2no0G6EAwH1z9Br39pqmqNiS38VKmP 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Singapore Google Scripting Lab

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Come to our Google Scripting Lab!


When: Thursday, May 15 from 5:00-7:30


What: We will be getting down and dirty with Google Apps Script codes.

Coding experience needed: None!


Bring: An idea of how you would implement a Google Apps Script to help your teaching process. We will try to find a script that works for you or try to help you code your own.There will be code snippets available for use as well as help with the documentation that Google supplies.


Why: Ideally, you will leave with working code or an idea of how to progress on your code and a community to work with!

Optionally bring: A pot luck dish to share.


What is your name? *

Awesome aspects of gMath and how it helps me create digital math content.

I have been using gMath to create digital math content for my classes. Today I realized a really cool feature that I didn't know about it, creating custom text characters.
In my Algebra and Pre-Algebra classes, after solving an equation I make my students check to see if the value of the equation they got as a result is valid if they substitute it in the original equation (typical Algebra check method).
I don't like to use the = sign during this work process because we are checking to see if they are actually equal. I use an equal sign with a question mark above it.
I can create this sign in gMath by typing \stackrel{?}{=}. You can use this LaTeX command to create almost any custom text item with one character stacked over another!
\stackrel{?}{=} will give this character:
My usage:
I am pretty pumped about how effective gMath has been and how it has simplified my workflow, allowing me to use GDocs more. It is also progressing in the publishing stage and will eventually be available in the Add-on store, reducing the number of steps necessary to use it to create content.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Google Add-on Creation Step 2!

So I detailed in a previous post how I am creating the gMath add-on and submitting it to be published. Yesterday the Google Add-on advisor emailed me back with a few minor recommendations before it would be added to the Add-on store. I was impressed by the level of detail given as feedback. They addressed specific points and it was definitely not a cut-and-paste email. I did submit it over a month ago and was getting worried that it would not be accepted, but now understand why the wait time was so long.
I am in the process of fixing the points they recommended and will keep posting on the publishing process.
Now I actually have to create the associated logos as well. I didn't want to get ahead of myself in case it was not approved, but it looks to be on track!