Note: Some of this information is based on documents at http://www.webct.com.
The WebEQ Equation Editor, a third-party tool, has been integrated into WebVista so instructors and students can easily create, save, and view complex equations within WebVista. It consists of an Equation Editor and an Equation Viewer. The Equation Editor enables users to create and edit mathematical equations graphically, using symbols not previously available on the keyboard. The equations are then stored as MathML, which is mark-up language for encoding the structure of mathematical expressions so that they can be shared over the Web. MathML files can be saved in the File Manager from the WebEQ Equation Editor or uploaded to the File Manager from your local drive and imported to the WebEQ Equation Editor for editing. The Equation Viewer enables MathML to be displayed in any browser.
Disabling the Equation Editor
The equation editor currently available on the University of Minnesota WebVista server is fully functional for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. Site designers may choose whether or not to make it available in their sites. For non-mathematics-based courses, turning the equation editor off can reduce student confusion over. On our server, the Equation Editor will be enabled by default. To turn it off:
- In a WebVista site, click Change Settings in the Control Panel Visible to Designers.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Change Settings window and click the radio button to select "Hide equation editor interfaces throughout the course."
- Click the Update button under that menu.
Launching the Equation Editor
In sites where the Equation Editor is enabled, users will see the insert equation interface option in tools that support the Equation Editor.
- Select the GO arrow to launch the Equation Editor.
- The Equation Editor window will appear.
Figure 1: The insert equation interface option.
Figure 2: The Equation Editor window.
Using the Equation Editor
Designers can find more information on how to use the Equation Editor using WebVista Help:
- Select the online Help link in the WebVista course menu bar while inside the Equation Editor.
- From the available topics, select About WebEQ Equation Editor. Along with the main topic you will see subtopics helpful for using the Equation Editor.
- While within the Equation Editor, click the ? graphic at the far right of the button bar to view the built-in WebEQ help, containing keyboard shortcuts and other useful tips.
Figure 3: The online Help link.
Figure 4: Online Help About WebEQ Equation Editor subtopics.