Creating documents in Mathematics is never an easy task. You combine text, equation, figure, graphs and tables. I am not the type to explore apps and softwares but with the demand of such combinations, I have to look for ways to make my work easier. Though it never is easy. Hehehehe.
I started encoding equations and graphs during my third year college when we started having projects with graphical outputs. I had no computer back then. No android phone either. Just a phone for call and text so I would go to computer shops near our dormitory. I would spend around 10 to 20 pesos per hour for computer rentals plus amounts for my printing. I’m glad that I was able to discover that saving to email is best in order to preserve work. I didn’t have any flash drive anyway.
I struggled connecting dots using lines on the Microsoft word. I was working on the Robertson-Wegner graph back then and I couldn’t imagine anymore the effort I put in in order to finish my project. It was real effort but I wasn’t even complaining. Maybe because I was enjoying?
Now, a software that I recently encountered is the Math Composer. What I like with it is that you simply insert elements that are either text, equation, graph, figure, or table. After inserting all elements, you can assemble everything to fit your desired outcome. Since I am still new to the software, what I do is use it in combination with Microsoft Paint and Microsoft Word.
I am not here though to give a walk-thru. So you might just want to explore it on your own if you wanted to and if you are a Math teacher. Students can also use it. The obvious difference is the price that you have to pay when using such softwares. You have to purchase the full version. If not, you will have the TRIAL watermark on your paper. Also, the free trial is only 30 days. I’m not sure if there is a forever free version like the Microsoft software.
But working with Microsoft Word is still the basic for me when all else fails. Press the insert button and you’ll have the equation tool. I go pasting figures in Microsoft Paint for faster editing then putting it back to Microsoft Word.
Another app I use is the Geogebra app for graphing geometric figures and also functions and other equations.
It pains me that I don’t research on easier way to do things. What kind of attitude is this? I can just type for tips on how to be saved few minutes and effort. I will be doing just that afterwards. Harhar.
I sometimes resent other teachers because they do not seem to be bothered by these equations and graphs but I guess they have struggles of their own. At least for us, we have more definite steps in doing things. It’s just that we have to be very patient dealing with all the Mathematical thingies. Well, personally that is the reason why I took Math in the first place.
Now the real thing is the document that I am able to produce. It will be converted to pdf format and sent to students or embedded in their learning management system. As always, we have to keep the word file in order to be able to edit in case corrections are detected by any one. Besides, teachers should always back their materials up. Otherwise, we will be spending so much effort recovering what needs to be recovered.
And then there’s the Google drive and all those online repositories for documents. The trick is to explore and discover so as to see what fits your style and what benefits you in the long run.
Aside from the Google drive, I also tried SlideShare and it was awesome. In SlideShare, we are given the option to either publish publicly or privately.
Exploring tools that could help a teacher is a fun thing but we have to always be wary of viruses. This is the most problematic of all especially for me who isn’t regularly updating her antivirus. I don’t know much about the viruses but I think these usually come together with apps that we are downloading as free. So the challenge is to always be vigilant with what we do. With this aspect, it is best to consult with experts. ‘Trusted experts’ by the way (haha!).
