Math & Science Support for Staff Chromebooks

Formatting of Microsoft Word files has significantly improved when opening files from Google Drive.  Most files created using the desktop version of Word require minimal reformatting when left as a .docx file and when converted to Google Docs. See a math example in this video.

There are three options for accessing and editing Microsoft Word files from a Chromebook:

1. From Drive, double click on a Word file and open it as a Word document in the Docs editor.  This maintains the .docx file type while allowing editing of text and equations.

2. From Drive, open the Word file and convert it to a Google Doc.  

3. Log in to Microsoft365 and open the online version of Microsoft Word.  Open the file and edit as needed.

Video: Open Word Files Online (using an advanced math example)

In addition to the built-in equation editor tool in Google Docs, there are several options available as outline below. Detailed walkthroughs and instructions are available in the Editing Complex Math Notation video.

• For existing Microsoft Word files, Microsoft 365 online is available to edit existing equations as well as add new equations.

• Staff can install the free version of the Equat.io Chrome extension which when selected, opens an editor directly in Google Docs (Chrome extension instructions). The editor is built on the Desmos calculator allowing for natural typing to create equations and graphs as well as the option to use LaTeX. Math notation is then editiable by selecting the inserted text and clicking Edit Math on the Equatio toolbar.

• MathType is available for Google Docs and Google Slides (Google add-on instructions) as well as in the Microsoft365 version of Word (Microsoft add-in instructions).  This is the same MathType that has been available on the desktop version of Microsoft Word.  SDUHSD has licenses for MathType for those who prefer this option after the free trial period available via a Tech Ticket.