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Dear Abi and others who have responded. Thank you so much for your input here - so many helpful ideas/information which I will pass on. Best, Jamie > On 30 Nov 2015, at 16:32, Abi James <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > > Hi Jamie > > I work on AT and access arrangements with the BDA Technology Committee. As it seems with anything to do with access arrangements there solution is not simple… > > Most schools avoid using Word as the access arrangement require you to disable all the spelling, grammar and auto-correct functions. The recommendation from JCQ is to use Wordpad instead, which doesn’t have equation tools. As the candidate qualifies for a scribe the spell check etc could remain turned on but they would be disqualified for any marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar in those subjects where they are applied (not maths). > > So the options are > (a) The student users word with the in-built equation editor and the spell-checker on just for maths. The quickest way to enter equations is using the keyboard shortcuts. There are great guides from the Uni of Bath at http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/bathmash/Word/index.html <http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/bathmash/Word/index.html>. > (b) Use Word and disabled the spell-check, grammar and auto-correct functions, including the shortcut keys. I have instructions for this which I can send to the school if need be. > (c) Use Wordpad or whatever word processing tool the student is using and use Mathcast to create equations. This is a free tool that uses a markup similar to LaTeX and will then export images that can be inserted into Wordpad. http://mathcast.sourceforge.net/home.html <http://mathcast.sourceforge.net/home.html> > > It’s also important to note that at the moment readers are not allowed to read aloud symbols in the exam papers or students answers but we are trying to address this. Hope that helps. Please feel free to pass on my details to the school/parent if they have other questions on AT and access arrangements. > > Best wishes > > Abi > > ====================================== > Dr Abi James > Assistive Technology Consultant & Researcher > BDA NTC Chair (bdatech.org) > Visiting Research Fellow, University of Southampton > Email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > > > > From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Satchell, Phillip > Sent: 30 November 2015 16:16 > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Fwd: Help/training query - maths exam - software enquiry > > Dear Jamie, > > At the risk of being obvious – why not the equation editor in Word? He’s presumably already familiar with Word (or something very similar) for his other subjects. Word would allow him to type the textual parts of answers and (quite) easily insert equations as needed. It’s not as fast a handwriting equations but presumably he’ll be eligible for extra time anyway. > > Phil > > Phil Satchell > Assessment Centre Manager, Lancaster University. > > > From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>] On Behalf Of Emma Cliffe > Sent: 30 November 2015 15:51 > To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Fwd: Help/training query - maths exam - software enquiry > > > Dear Jamie, > > I wonder if http://www.efofex.com/ <http://www.efofex.com/> might work? I don't know if it can be used in examinations though as I am at higher education level. I do know that some students arrive at university having used this for computer production of equations etc. at school. > > I would also be interested to know if this can be used in GCSE examinations. > > However, I would also say that it will take time and practise to be able to type equations (in any format) effectively so do not underestimate the time required to acquire this skill. It would really need to become the student's every day way of working. > > Kind regards, > Emma > > On 30/11/15 15:16, Jamie Crabb wrote: >> Dear Colleagues, >> >> If any of you could help with the query below in regards to Maths software to use in a GCSE exam it would be gratefully recieved. >> >> Best wishes, >> >> Jamie >> Diversity and Ability >>> >>> Date: 30 November 2015 at 13:01:14 GMT >>> To: Jamie Crabb <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>> >>> Subject: Re: Help/training query >>> >>> Hello Jamie, Thank you so much for your help. I am happy for you to put my query 'out there' as anon please. >>> My son uses a laptop as usual way >>> of working. He only has a scribe in maths exams and it can be anyone he never knows who. In maths class he writes as best as he can which is often illegible. But he refuses to have a scribe in class because he feels embarrassed and separated from everyone. They have also treated him as if he is not as able as he is. >>> Kind Regards Linda. >>> >>> >>> Sent from Samsung Mobile >>> >>> On 23 November 2015 at 14:01, >>> Hi Jamie >>> >>> Sorry I dont think I can help with the software part of this query. >>> >>> However, what I do remember from days as a GCSE Maths teacher and from my Access Arrangement training is that Maths symbols can’t be explained to the candidate in the exam, as understanding them is part of the assessment. >>> >>> The parent, candidate and school may benefit from looking together at the roles of readers and scribes. The roles are very precise and the scribe can’t read the paper, unless of course reader status has also been approved. Using a scribe in Maths is very particular as (depending on the exam board) marks are awarded for working out. Using a scribe does take practise and should be the candidates normal method of working. >>> >>> Hope this helps a little. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>>>> >>>>>> On 20 Nov 2015, at 17:04 >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Dear Jamie, I wandered whether you would be able to help me. My son is 15 and has dyspraxia and aspergers as a result he has a scribe for maths. He uses a laptop for all other subjects and exams. He wants to continue with Maths but not a scribe. Could you help guide or train him to use the best package for maths. I am clueless about this and am having difficulty finding out. He would also like to use a laptop for maths in gcse exam instead if scribe who he had difficulty explaining maths symbols etc. . . >>>>>> Thank you, kind regards >> >> >> <https://www.dnamatters.co.uk/> >> <https://www.facebook.com/dnamatters> <https://twitter.com/DnA_Matters> <https://www.youtube.com/user/DnAmatterschannel> <http://instagram.com/diversity_and_ability> >> Right, now for the confidential stuff. This email (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used by any other person. If you are not a named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the mail from your system. Thanks! Diversity and Ability Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 07525234 > > > -- > > -- <https://www.dnamatters.co.uk> <https://www.facebook.com/dnamatters> <https://twitter.com/DnA_Matters> <https://www.youtube.com/user/DnAmatterschannel> <http://instagram.com/diversity_and_ability> Right, now for the confidential stuff. This email (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used by any other person. If you are not a named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the mail from your system. Thanks! Diversity and Ability Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 07525234