A Math Editor is a digital tool that facilitates the creation, editing, and formatting of mathematical expressions and formulas. Trelson now offers a math editor that can be made available to students in the ‘Writing Space’ module, as well as in the ‘Form’ module through the question type 'Text with special characters'.
Math editor in the writing space
Note that students do not automatically have access to the math editor in the Writing Space module. As a teacher, you need to actively choose to enable support for math in the writing space. You can also create a “Custom template” in the writing space and use the math editor to write prepared questions or exercises for students to work on in the locked mode when the task starts.
How to enable the math editor in the writing space:
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Modules: Enter the task and click on the "Modules" tab.
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The pen: Click on the icon that looks like a pen next to the writing space module.
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Settings: Click on the gear icon to bring up the settings for the writing space.
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Enable math support: Check the box that says "Enable math support".
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Save: Click "Save". Now all students will have access to the math editor in the writing space when they open the task.
Math editor in form questions
Below are some examples of how you and your students can use the math editor in form questions.
Include a mathematical formula in the question title
As a teacher, you can use the math editor to include mathematical expressions in question titles and answer choices. When you see the "Square root" icon, you can use the math editor. Teachers can, for example, use it in the titles of form questions. Students see the same icon when they have access to the math editor.
Let the student answer the question with mathematical expressions
Choose the question type "Text with special characters" if your students are to perform a mathematical calculation as an answer to the question. Students will then get the "Square root" icon which they click on to open the math editor.
Present several formulas for the student to choose as an answer to a question
When you create a form question and choose the question type "Multiple choice" or "Checkboxes" you will see a "Square root" icon to the right of each answer choice. This means you can enter a formula as an answer choice. Click on the icon to open the math editor. When you have finished your formula, click "Insert". Note that you still need to name each answer choice in words, as shown in the image below.
Not just math – also chemical formulas
The math editor can also be used to write chemical formulas and expressions. Students can press the icon that looks like a “C” to access this feature.
Important to note
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Automatic grading: In the "Form" module, Trelson supports automatic grading where you as a teacher can specify the correct answer in advance. However, if a student answers a question with the question type "Text with special characters", you cannot use automatic grading. If you create equations as answer choices, you can specify which option is correct and thus enable automatic grading.
- Not a calculator function: The math editor is not a calculator but is only used to visualize mathematical or chemical expressions. If students need access to a calculator, we recommend using GeoGebra as a resource, or providing students with a physical calculator.
Introduction video for the math editor (2 min 37 sec)