Chapter 8: Math & Activities
Mathematical equations
Main point
If you are developing a textbook that contains STEM-related materials, it is important to think about accessibility as you write your content. Math is highly structured, and the structure of equations communicates important information.
How you embed equations into your content can remove (or create) access barriers. Generally speaking, the recommendation is to write equations in MathML or LaTeX.
- MathML: XML language for marking up mathematical formulas
- LaTeX: markup language for writing a variety of document types, including complex mathematical formulas
- MathJax: displays math notation written in either MathML or LaTeX in Web browsers
Important note:
Avoid inserting equations as images whenever possible!
WCAG Success Criteria
Though there is not a WCAG Success Criteria specific for math formulas, creating the equations with MathML or LaTeX meets other criteria like providing structure for the formula (perceivable) or allowing for keyboard access (operable).
How-to
Getting your equations into Pressbooks can be tricky. You can write your formulas in either MathML or LaTeX.
Instructions and best practices coming soon!
In the meantime, reach out to the Open Education Librarian [opens email program] for assistance.
Resources
Add Mathematical Notation — Pressbooks User Guide
Creating and Reading Accessible Math — The DAISY Consortium
Math authoring tools — W3C Wiki
H5P activities & Pressbooks Results
Main point
“Pressbooks features a native integration with H5P, an open-source plugin which can be used to create interactive quizzes and other learning activities in your book.” — Pressbooks User Guide
By enabling the H5P feature, you can insert interactive questions and exercises into your book, some of which can become assessments linked to your D2L Brightspace course.
Much like you need to ensure that whatever video material you select has captions, you’ll also need to make sure you are choosing an accessible exercise type.
- View H5P’s list of content types to view their recommendations and accessibility review.
Resources
Create Interactive Content with H5P — Pressbooks User Guide
The H5P Kitchen — Cooking OERs with H5P
Use Pressbooks Results with your LMS for Grade Passback — Pressbooks User Guide
H5P Accessibility Guide — LibreStudio
