I have had an overwhelming positive response to my gGraph Add-on. Thanks!! I had a request for a tutorial on how to use gGraph, so here it is (even though it is a little rough):
Youtube URL
Youtube URL
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Why you should use gMath and gGraph if you are a math teacher
tldr; version: gMath and gGraph Add-on scripts saved me a lot of time and gave me new functionality while creating my math test directly in a Google Doc.
Full version:
I will be the first to say that it is difficult to use math on a computer. The vertical and horizontal formatting of basic math items makes it difficult to digitally create math. Tools are constantly evolving and it is getting easier, but it is still not easy.
I love using Google Apps and want to use them to create all of my content if possible.
Until now, I used Mathematica to create my tests and quizzes since it took too long to click on the Insert Equation button every time I wanted to type some math. This is why I love (and why I created) the gMath Add-on (it is still in the publishing process so it is not in the Add-on store yet, you can create a copy of this Doc that contains the script: http://goo.gl/15ulvZ) . I do know some LaTeX, so it makes my input easier, but I don't feel like the entry level is that high. The CodeCogs Equation Editor will tell you how to type almost anything you want and I am working on allowing you to save your favorite things to type to help make it faster.
Here is how it helped me create a problem with a set of 3 equations and 3 variables:
The other major component to my tests and quizzes were graphs and graphs of functions. I just made my first Algebra 2 test since I finished the gGraph Add-on (again it is not published yet and in the Add-on store so you can copy it in the gMath doc above or if you only wan the gGraph script you can copy this Doc: http://goo.gl/qbjrg6) and it was awesome. I loved being able to create a system of 3 equations and then drag the problem into the document. It was simple to create a blank graph that I wanted students to graph on for a problem.
I probably saved 30 minutes by making my test using these two Add-ons. Now, I just need to work on allowing the students to answer the test digitally!
What am I thinking on how to do this for my next test??
1. Create a test in a Google Doc using these 2 Add-ons.
2. Distribute the test using Doctopus so the Scripts are already contained in the Doc (since the Add-ons are not published yet, this is the only way I can think of to get them to my students).
3. Instead of emailing them to my students using the Doctopus email, package them individually with the links in an AppleScript code that my Grade 6 coders developed that will only allow 1 window open when you are on the web (it closes all other tabs and windows automatically if they are opened).
***I have yet to test this with a class of students taking tests. The code works and it has been testing with a few students at a time. I will post on its efficacy in the coming weeks after implementing it!***
4. Grade the tests using a Doctopus Goobric. I am also toying with the new DriveApp that allows comments to be programmatically inserted inserted into Docs, since I make the same comments on a lot of the Docs (students repeat the same mistakes).
Full version:
I will be the first to say that it is difficult to use math on a computer. The vertical and horizontal formatting of basic math items makes it difficult to digitally create math. Tools are constantly evolving and it is getting easier, but it is still not easy.
I love using Google Apps and want to use them to create all of my content if possible.
Until now, I used Mathematica to create my tests and quizzes since it took too long to click on the Insert Equation button every time I wanted to type some math. This is why I love (and why I created) the gMath Add-on (it is still in the publishing process so it is not in the Add-on store yet, you can create a copy of this Doc that contains the script: http://goo.gl/15ulvZ) . I do know some LaTeX, so it makes my input easier, but I don't feel like the entry level is that high. The CodeCogs Equation Editor will tell you how to type almost anything you want and I am working on allowing you to save your favorite things to type to help make it faster.
Here is how it helped me create a problem with a set of 3 equations and 3 variables:
The other major component to my tests and quizzes were graphs and graphs of functions. I just made my first Algebra 2 test since I finished the gGraph Add-on (again it is not published yet and in the Add-on store so you can copy it in the gMath doc above or if you only wan the gGraph script you can copy this Doc: http://goo.gl/qbjrg6) and it was awesome. I loved being able to create a system of 3 equations and then drag the problem into the document. It was simple to create a blank graph that I wanted students to graph on for a problem.
I probably saved 30 minutes by making my test using these two Add-ons. Now, I just need to work on allowing the students to answer the test digitally!
What am I thinking on how to do this for my next test??
1. Create a test in a Google Doc using these 2 Add-ons.
2. Distribute the test using Doctopus so the Scripts are already contained in the Doc (since the Add-ons are not published yet, this is the only way I can think of to get them to my students).
3. Instead of emailing them to my students using the Doctopus email, package them individually with the links in an AppleScript code that my Grade 6 coders developed that will only allow 1 window open when you are on the web (it closes all other tabs and windows automatically if they are opened).
***I have yet to test this with a class of students taking tests. The code works and it has been testing with a few students at a time. I will post on its efficacy in the coming weeks after implementing it!***
4. Grade the tests using a Doctopus Goobric. I am also toying with the new DriveApp that allows comments to be programmatically inserted inserted into Docs, since I make the same comments on a lot of the Docs (students repeat the same mistakes).
Monday, April 7, 2014
gGraph Add-on
http://goo.gl/qbjrg6
Full version:
One of the biggest things that has frustrated me with using Google Docs in Math is the Equation Editor is too lite and has drawbacks (see my post on my other possible Add-on) and the difficulty of graphs to the document. There are a lot of amazing graphing resources out there, my current 2 favorites are +Desmos and plot.ly. However, to add these elements to a Google Doc, you need to open the new window or tab and then take a screenshot and add as an image to the Doc.
To combat all of these steps, I created the gGraph script which I am in the process of trying to publish as an Add-on.
Clicking on the Preview Graph button generates the graph as an image on the standard Cartesian Coordinant Plane (from -10 to 10). You can then drag and drop this image anywhere in your document!
I am super excited about this and it has taken me a long time to figure out what is allowable from the HTMLService standpoint. Feel free to suggest any options you would like to see!
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