Train-the-Trainer materials
Using these materials
These Train-the-Trainer materials contain everything you need to appoint trainers or champions in your setting. We equip them with all the materials they will need to be able to train everyone in your setting, how to use Equatio.
In this section you will find:
You can also take this guide away to refer back to at any time.
1. Introduction
Equatio is a tool that incorporates elements of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Assistive Technology (AT), High Leverage Practices (HLP) and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) to make mathematical expressions more accessible for all learners. With Equatio, educators can create math problems and documents that are in compliance with AEM standards, ensuring that they can be read, understood, and interacted with by a wide range of learners, including those with learning differences or disabilities. Additionally, Equatio's AT features, such as text-to-speech and Braille support, allow students to access and engage with mathematical content in ways that are tailored to their individual needs.
About Equatio
Equatio enables educators to seamlessly integrate UDL principles into existing curricula by providing a variety of tools and resources that support the three main principles of UDL: multiple means of representation, multiple means of engagement, and multiple means of action and expression. Equatio provides multiple means of representation and engagement by allowing educators to create math problems and documents that can be presented in various formats. This ensures that students with different learning needs and preferences can access and engage with the mathematical content in ways that are tailored to their individual needs. Equatio also provides multiple means of action and expression by allowing students to submit their work in various formats.
You can use this video with teachers and administrators.
Who can use Equatio?
For elementary students, Equatio provides a range of tools and resources that can be used to help them develop a strong foundation in mathematical concepts. For example, Equatio's visual representations, interactive features, and text-to-speech capabilities can be used to help students understand mathematical concepts in a concrete and tangible way. For high school students, Equatio can be used to support more advanced mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and calculus. Equatio provides a range of tools that can be used to help students understand and solve more complex mathematical problems. For example, Equatio's tools for creating and submitting work in various formats can be used to help students demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts in ways that are comfortable and meaningful to them. Equatio can be used to support math learning for students at all levels, from elementary to high school, by providing a range of tools and resources that can be used to help students understand and demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts in ways that are comfortable and meaningful to them.
You can use this video with teachers and students
Sample Reflection questions
- What did you learn about Equatio from the videos?
- How does Equatio support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles?
- How can Equatio be used to make mathematical expressions more accessible for all learners?
- How does Equatio support the use of assistive technology in the classroom?
- How can Equatio be used to support math learning for students at both the elementary and high school level?
- In what ways does Equation support the needs of students with learning differences or disabilities?
- How does Equatio's integration of UDL, AT, and AEM principles make it a valuable tool for promoting math literacy, inclusivity and accessibility in the classroom?
- How can you see yourself using Equatio in your classroom?
- Are there any concerns or limitations you have about using Equatio in your teaching practice?
- How might Equatio be used to support and enhance the math instruction in your classroom, school or district?
2. Curriculum and Training Materials
Let's get started with Equatio's top three tools: Equation Editor, Handwriting Recognition and Speech Input.
For each feature, we've included some talking points, a video to share, and some tips for usage.
Equation Editor
At its core, Equatio is a really powerful equation editor, so this is the primary functionality of Equatio. It helps students create digital, accessible. Prediction is a huge time-saver as many of your frequently used expressions and formulas are already built in.
Modern keyboards weren’t designed for math/mathematical notation. Equatio’s built-in toolbar makes creating equations less frustrating and more fun for everyone.
Equatio generates alt text on every insert, allowing those students who use screen reader technology to participate in general education math/maths & STEM classrooms.
Using the Equation Editor
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Using Prediction
Share this video and the usage tips.
Tips for usage:
- Did you know that Equatio prediction can be turned on or off for certain subject areas? Click on the blue Equatio menu on the lower left side of the toolbar. Select ‘Options.’ Choose ‘Math Options’. This window will display the options to turn Prediction on or off in the following areas: Math, Chemistry, or Prediction.
Creating a textbox for equation instructions
Equatio is great for writing out your word problems. You can use the Equatio text editor to write words, and use the math editor to type out your math. This way the text and math will appear on the same line and all of it will be accessible to screen reader users. Watch this video to learn more:
Using keyboard shortcuts
There are also several keyboard shortcuts available in the editor. Watch this video to learn more.
Handwriting Recognition
Handwriting recognition enables students and teachers to do math in the way that is most natural to them–writing it down.
Although it is nice to have a touch screen to use handwriting, it is not necessary. You can use your mouse!
Handwriting recognition is pretty accurate. You do not have to have great handwriting in order to use this powerful tool.
Equatio’s handwriting tool enables students to work how they prefer when inputting in a digital format. Students therefore do not need to change their normal way of working, which could reduce anxiety and stress.
Using the Handwriting Recognition tool
Share this video and the usage tips.
Tips for usage:
- Above it states that the Handwriting Recognition is ‘pretty’ accurate. In some cases, depending on the quality of the writing, it can interpret math symbols, numbers, and letters inaccurately. If this happens, simply move over to the right side box and make your corrections using the keyboard, before inserting your math.
- Did you know you can scribble out your annotations? Write something down in the freehand box, then with your stylus or mouse, scribble out the item created thoroughly. The item should erase and you will be ready to draw again the item previously created.
Speech Input
Equatio’s speech input tool helps students who can’t or prefer not to use a keyboard, insert math and science expressions verbally.
Students can hear math read aloud to them and use “speech to math,” benefitting all students, especially those with learning difficulties, visual impairments, or language barriers.
How to use Speech Input
Share this video and the usage tips.
Tips for usage:
- Not all math will be able to be created using your voice. Speech to math is great for writing your basic math and making equations. For a complete list of all things in Speech Input, click on the link.
3. Action Planning for Quick Wins
Teachers must remember to take the time to reflect on the implementation of Equatio in their lessons or activities and make any necessary adjustments for future use. Continuously seeking feedback from students and colleagues, and staying informed of new updates and resources available can help ensure the most effective use of Equatio.
Here are some sample questions for participants to answer at the end of an Equatio training session:
- In what specific lesson or activity will you use Equatio this week?
- How will you use Equatio to support UDL principles in this lesson or activity?
- What specific tools or features of Equatio will you use in this lesson or activity?
- How will you measure the effectiveness of using Equatio in this lesson or activity?
- What supports or resources do you need to effectively implement Equatio in this lesson or activity?
- How will you involve your students in the implementation of Equatio in this lesson or activity?
- How will you involve your colleagues and/or school/district leaders in the implementation of Equatio in this lesson or activity?
- What are the next steps you will take to continue integrating Equatio in your instruction?
- Identify the videos you will use to train your students.