Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional typing math

Blackcat, your original question poses quite a challenge.
One possible solution is converting spoken language into written mathematics, which is actually quite difficult. The most successful technical solution for this I know of is available at https://mathtalk.com/, but it's a bit expensive for a single user.

If one wanted to build a similar system at home, the highest rated answer posted to the stackexchange question would be the most reasonable way to go. That is, use a speech-to-text program such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking (https://www.nuance.com/dragon.html) to convert the spoken word into text. One can train the Dragon system to recognize specific word/text pairs, which can be used to generate LaTeX commands in the text output. NatLatex (http://www.ataword.com/latex/natlatex.html) is one way to do this.

At it's core, LaTeX is a markup language. Similar to how HTML is used to format web pages, LaTeX is used to format mathematics. Unfortunately, the learning curve for LaTeX can be quite long (although, not necessarily steep). Most LaTeX users are also computer programmers, and so prefer to edit their documents in a code editor and then 'compile' the documents in a manner similar to compiling computer programs---not much help for kids that struggle with typing, I'm afraid.
But, LaTeX is also an open standard, so there are many programs available to generate documents from a LaTeX commands.

One program that I think bridges the gap between plugins like EquatIO and code editor and might fit your needs is LyX (available here: https://www.lyx.org/, write-up here: https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/os-lyx/). LyX is free, available on most operating systems, and offers a graphical interface similar to most word processors with output to PDF. A large library of LaTeX commands are available via pull-down menus, which can aid in learning them. It may also be possible to connect the Dragon NS system into navigating the menus, although I can't confirm that.

I hope this helps some in finding a workable solution for your DS.

There is a real shortage of education on EquatIO, and also on tools for indivudiual students using it. There seems to be an idea that teachers will use it for whole classes and assign the work inside it. Which is great, because then teacher is onboard... But it's got no real tools for getting work set on paper or a digital textbook into equatIO without a lot of effort just copying over for the child (and huge risk of copying errors for my child)... And it just didn't seem appropriate for her level of math either. I was so excited when I found it and so disappointed it didn't work.

For an introduction into using LaTeX for math typesetting, I recommend giving LyX (http://www.lyx.org/) a try.

Let's say for a moment that I get DS to use LaTeX or LyX. Do the teachers also need to be trained in this for it to be successful? I'm thinking of exams, handouts, etc. We still don't have any system for exams and how he is supposed to type his answers. Sometimes there might be something like a graph or a figure on the page and the kids are expected to write on it.

Right now the district's attitude is to basically shrug their shoulders and say "well, LaTex is embedded in EquatIO so that addresses your concerns." Um, no it doesn't because no one is training him in either.

I did take a closer look at EquatIO and believe we have access to the premium version by logging into his school acct. I looked up some speech to text commands and tried them out. For Algebra 2 this might work but not sure about higher level math. Also, I can't imagine him speaking loudly into a chromebook in the middle of a class. There is handwriting recognition. But we would need to switch the chromebook to tablet mode and get him a stylus (if it's possible with his district issued chromebook?). He can't write a lot but it may help if he can't figure out how to convert something by typing or speaking. But no one has tried that with him and the chromebook is kept at school so I can't take a look at it. At home he is using a desktop. It's just really frustrating how complicated this is and having minimal support from the school district. Thanks for all the info.