g(Math) is a Google Add-on that I started developing back in 2013 that makes it quick and easy to create equations, graphs, stats displays and math quizzes to insert in Google Docs, Sheets, and Forms. Earlier this year, g(Math) became the newest addition to the Texthelp product suite. As such, Texthelp’s expert developers and I have improved upon my original design to create a more simple and intuitive tool for creating digital, accessible math. Just like your students who have already grown so much since the start of the new school year, so has g(Math).
Continue reading to see all of the latest and greatest updates we’ve made to the g(Math) Add-on, along with some short demo videos you can use to share these updates with your students and colleagues. Over the last several years, technology has become a critical learning tool inside and outside the classroom. However, the math classroom has largely been overlooked during this transition. That’s because it’s difficult to type math without the use of advanced code or programming languages. As a math teacher, I could see students disengage with the subject as soon as they were forced to put their computers away and take out their pencils and papers. That’s why I built g(Math), a tool that makes math digital.
With the latest updates to the g(Math) Add-on, creating digital math has become even more seamless, integrated, intuitive, and most importantly, accessible.
Accessibility for Math
g(Math) now produces accessible math in Google Docs and Forms! Through integration with Texthelp’s award-winning literacy software, Read&Write, math expressions created in g(Math) can now be read aloud, just like any other content on the page . By making math accessible for the first time in Google Apps, we are transforming the way students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties learn and practice math.Simple Expression Entry
We have simplified the expressions entry in g(Math) to make it much more user friendly for students. Yup, you guessed it, no more LaTeX needed! However, if you loved the pre-populated buttons and LaTeX entry, have no fear. Just click on the Advanced tab and keep your geekiness flowing.Watch the video below to see the Simple and Advanced inputs in action!
Intuitive Speech Input
The Speech Input feature, which can be launched from both the Simple or Advanced tabs, also got an update. It now has improved filtering capabilities so that it only picks up math terms - no matter what else you say into the mic. If you do have to make any edits to the math it interprets, you can do so directly after stopping the Speech Input.Watch the magic of g(Math)'s Speech Input here:
Handwriting Entry Enhancements
For those that find it easier to handwrite equations, we have revamped the Handwriting Entry feature to easily integrate handwritten work into your digital Google document. The streamlined interface provides a more intuitive experience and now includes a variety of design options for advanced customization.Check out the video below to see how the Handwriting Entry feature can help students show their thought process when solving equations.
High-Resolution Images
Another feature we’ve included in this release is the addition of high-resolution images that won’t get blurry or pixelated when you resize them in a document (finally!). Just insert an image and drag it to your desired size - always maintaining its sharp, crisp resolution. These high-res images also look great when you copy and paste them into a Google Slide for presenting math.One More Thing You’ll Notice
When you first visit the updated g(Math) Add-on, you will meet our new math Texthelpers. They will ask you to identify yourself as a student or a teacher. If you are a teacher, they will ask you to enter your school district before you can continue on to the updated g(Math) experience. After your first visit, you will never be asked to enter this information again.With this information, we will be able to let you know about all of the new and exciting g(Math) features and updates coming down the pipe. We’ve got some great plans for the future of g(Math) that we can’t wait to share with you. So stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.
In the meantime, if you have any feedback about the recent updates to g(Math), we’d love to hear from you! Simply fill out our feedback form or join our community of educators to share your thoughts.
