2. Math tip (b) \u2013 Equation editor in Google Docs<\/h2>\n
I'm always on the lookout for online tools that can make it easier for us to communicate math.<\/p>\n
Google Docs<\/a> is a free collaboration suite by the search giant. You can collaborate with your classmates (or teacher) to create a Document (which can be exported in Word format), a Spreadsheet (can be exported in Excel format) or a Presentation (which can be exported as a Powerpoint file). These documents are wiki-like in nature, which means other people can come in and edit what is there.<\/p>\n Google Docs' feature set is limited compared to the Microsoft Office suite, but Google recently announced an exciting new feature for math students - an equation editor<\/strong> in the Document application. You access it via Insert → Equation, as follows:<\/p>\n You can easily input math via a visual interface, or you can type in your equations using LaTeX.<\/p>\n What can you do with it? One of the obvious applications is you can ask your math teacher some questions about the homework. You could create a Document and ask your math question using the Equation Editor whenever you need to include equations or symbols. Then you would share<\/strong> the document with your teacher who could answer your question in the same document. The teacher could then share the document with the whole class so everyone can benefit.<\/p>\n Another possibility is the teacher could create an assignment<\/strong> in a Google Document and the students could present their solutions in that Document. (Of course, this is best if each student needs to examine one unique aspect of the problem. Otherwise, as soon as one student puts up a correct solution, there is nothing for the rest of the class to do.) Say the students are learning about parabolas, hyperbolas, ellipses and so on. They could be assigned to go out and take a photo of a bridge (or other building that has a curved shape) near their home and then model the shape of the bridge. Each bridge is different, so each solution is different.<\/p>\n The recent IntMath Poll during Sep\/Oct asked readers \"How often do you use your mobile phone during math class (SMS or voice)?<\/b>\".<\/p>\n Most of us have trouble with attention deficit. Mobile phones can be a big distraction, but sometimes students use them for legitimate learning purposes.<\/p>\n Poll results:<\/b><\/p>\n 63% Never<\/p>\n 20% Two or 3 times per lesson<\/p>\n 10% About once per lesson<\/p>\n 7% About once per week<\/p>\n Total votes: 1800<\/p>\n The current poll asks readers \"During weekends, how many hours do you spend doing math homework (or study)?\" You can vote on any page in Interactive Mathematics<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1) Why are these towels cheaper?<\/a> 2) Constructivism in math<\/a>![\"Image:](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/images\/2009\/10\/google-docs-equation-editor.gif\")
\nGoogle Doc's Equation Editor<\/b><\/div>\n3. IntMath Poll<\/h2>\n
4. From the Math Blog<\/h2>\n
\nAn exasperating customer in a towel store just doesn't get it.<\/p>\n
\nHere's an example where some constructivism would have helped Monica's understanding.<\/p>\n