Using Equatio

What is Equatio?

Equatio is an accessibility tool that allows faculty to create accessible, digital STEM content. As described in the TextHelp train-the trainer materials:

“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.”

Accessibility

Equatio creates accessible STEM content by placing alt-text behind each math formula, that increases access to learn for students using screen readers.

  • Math Formulas
  • Desmos Calculator
  • Periodic Table
  • Molecular Viewer

Equatio offers faculty flexibility in how to create accessible, digital math through offering variable input options such as:

  • Equation Editor Prediction – In the equation menu, you can manually type your formula and the prediction tool will predict the formula, allowing for easy and quick input. You can also generate a complete formula by simply typing in few letters of the formula’s name.
  • Handwriting Recognition – On a touchscreen device, this tool allows you to write into the sketchpad area and Equatio will convert it into an accessible, digital format.
  • Speech Input – With the click of a button, you can speak and the Equatio tool will capture your math and convert it into an accessible, digital format.
  • Screenshot Reader – This tool allows you to scan directly from existing PDFs and Equatio converts that to accessible, digital format.

There are many reasons why you should use Equatio, according to the Washington University in St. Louis Center for Teaching in Learning:

  • Students can enhance their learning experience by using multiple methods to create, manipulate, and interact with math and STEM content, supporting core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 
  • Instructors can make math collaborative by using the Mathspace feature to share activities with colleagues or students.
  • Students can visualize problems using the Whiteboard’s library of easy-to-use shapes and digital manipulatives.
  • Students with vision impairments can use the text-to-speech functionality to read equations aloud or use the magnification and high-contrast options to better view content.
  • Equatio’s voice dictation feature can be helpful to students with dysgraphia, fine motor challenges, or hand injuries, as it eliminates the need for precise handwriting or typing.

Equatio Overview

Watch the 5 minute video below to get a concise overview of all the ways that Equatio allows you to create accessible math with ease.

Getting Started

Installing

Equatio is free to all Los Rios employees and can be accessed for initial installation in My Apps, after logging into the single sign-on:

How-To Guides

Video Support

Webinars

Los Rios / ARC Support

As always, the Instructional Technology Center (ITC) is also available to support you with using Equatio and can be contacted at ITCtraining@arc.losrios.edu or during our scheduled drop-in-lab hours.