equations and drawings

equations and drawings

by Sara Julin -
Number of replies: 2

I am a long time Black board user, and they finally upgraded to use some equation editing cabability that is built in to the message board.  I do not see how to do any equation editing using moodle.  Does anyone have any way to do this?  and drawing.. simple drawing tools would be most critical.  How can I do that?  any suggestions.

Primarily I teach physics... and definitely need fast equations and quikc sketches. 

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In reply to Sara Julin

Re: equations and drawings

by Manish Verma -
Moodle supports mathematical typing by using codes. For example the moment of inertial of solid sphere = $$\frac{2}{5}MR^2$$.
Code:$$$\frac{2}{5}MR^2$$$.

There is another easier type of coding, for example @@1/2@@ can be written using code @@@1/2@@@.

Former is generally recommended as it supports complex cases, though the latter is easier for the beginners.

A number of examples can be found at http://123iitjee.net/iitjee/mod/glossary/view.php?id=211 and some at http://123iitjee.net/iitjee/mod/wiki/view.php?id=124.

There is an easier way to get the $$ coding using the free TexAide.

Sketches can be drawn in a desktop application and images can be quickly uploaded. One can link the free Vyew room for synchronous drawing.

Do you have any information about when Black Board is going to introduce voice to its virtual classroom?
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In reply to Sara Julin

Re: equations and drawings

by John Isner -
Are you mainly interested in equation editing and drawing capabilities for the teacher or for students? I think it makes a big difference.

As Manish pointed out, Moodle supports the Algebra and LaTeX markup languages through its filter mechanism. Markup languages are OK for teachers, but students should be using a WYSIWYG editor. The status of the Moodle WYSIWYG equation editor is uncertain, to say the least. It certainly will not be available any time soon. The best current alternative in my opinion is the free program TeXaide. Students write their math in a WYSIWYG fashion; then ctrl-C puts LaTeX on the clipboard, which they can paste into a Moodle text area (e.g., in an Essay question on a quiz).

In my opinion, graphs and diagrams are a huge problem for math and science students. They can use many of the same tools their teachers use (e.g., O-O draw or GeoGebra), but if they are in a traditional activity such as online assignment, quiz question, Journal entry, or lesson, they have nowhere to put the graph or diagram because these activities do not support attachments. The best workaround I have found is using the HSU MyFiles block.

Are you subscribed to the Mathematics Tools forum? Topics like this are frequently under discussion there.
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