[Athen] Smart Pen Question/Idea

[JORDISON_SHAWN via athen-list]

I would 100% use MathPix.

It can do handwritten math and cover it to LaTex. You can then use MathType to convert LaTex to MathType in Word.

You can covert mass PDF content to accessible Word documents without a ton of extra work. I made a video last year showing the process: https://youtu.be/mro6NaTvxCM

You can reach out to luckman at mathpix.com<mailto:luckman at mathpix.com> to ask questions about the product.


  *   Shawn

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On September 20, 2024 at 12:20 PM PDT athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu> wrote:


CAUTION: This email originated outside SMC.


1HM: Apologies for the cross-posting. We have been trying to figure out the best way for our math instructors to be able to post their handwritten notes after class so that they are more inclusive.



1AD: It's great that you're exploring solutions to make handwritten notes more accessible and inclusive. I can provide some insight into the possibilities around smartpens.



2HM: I know that there are smart pens that can record notes and convert handwriting to text so we had the idea that maybe this could be a way to make instructor's in-class notes more accessible.



2AD: Yes, smartpens have advanced in recent years and can indeed capture handwritten notes, converting them into digital formats. Some models do a good job with general text, but their success in handling math formulas is another story, which I'll cover below.



3HM: However, I have not worked at all with smartpens so I have some questions: Are they also able to convert math formulas?



3AD: Smartpens tend to struggle with converting handwritten math formulas accurately. While some devices can recognize simple equations, complex mathematical symbols, and notation (especially calculus or advanced math) usually require specialized software or manual editing afterward. A more reliable option for formulas might be a stylus with an app like MyScript Nebo or Microsoft OneNote, which can better handle math.



4HM: How good is the text conversion and how much work will it require from the instructors to go from handwritten to text?



4AD: Text conversion quality depends heavily on handwriting clarity and the complexity of the content. For general notes, conversion is usually fairly accurate but often requires proofreading and manual corrections, especially if instructors use a lot of specialized terms or shorthand. For math-heavy content, the amount of post-editing could be significant. It's often faster to use a tablet or touch screen with a specialized math app rather than relying on a smartpen for seamless conversion.



5HM: Does it require special paper or can they be used on a tablet or touch screen?



5AD: Some smartpens, like those from Livescribe, require special dot-printed paper to work, while others, like the Neo Smartpen, can write on regular paper and later sync the notes. If your goal is to work on a tablet or touchscreen, a stylus might be a better fit than a smartpen, as these allow for more flexibility and don't require special paper.



6HM: Do you have any recommendations for a Smartpen that would work for our needs?



6AD: If you're set on smartpens, you might want to look into the Neo Smartpen or the Livescribe Echo. These are two of the more reliable options for capturing handwritten notes and syncing them digitally. That said, for math-heavy notes, I recommend exploring digital note-taking apps with stylus input, like Microsoft OneNote (which supports handwriting and formula input with a stylus) or MyScript Nebo (which specializes in handwriting-to-text conversion, including math).



7HM: Is this even a possibility or am I wildly naive?



7AD: You’re not naive at all. It's GREAT that you're thinking creatively about this challenge. However, for math formulas, a smartpen might not be the best solution due to the complex nature of the conversion. A stylus/tablet combo would likely be more reliable for accurately capturing both handwritten text and mathematical notation.



8HM: Thanks so much for your help.



8AD: Always happy to share. Best of luck!



Aaron Di Blasi, PMP<https://www.pmi.org/>



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From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu>> On Behalf Of Heather Mariger via athen-list
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2024 3:09 PM
To: Alternate Media <ALTMEDIA at listserv.cccnext.net<mailto:ALTMEDIA at listserv.cccnext.net>>; Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu>>
Subject: [Athen] Smart Pen Question/Idea



Greetings



Apologies for the cross-posting. We have been trying to figure out the best way for our math instructors to be able to post their handwritten notes after class so that they are more inclusive.



I know that there are smart pens that can record notes and convert handwriting to text so we had the idea that maybe this could be a way to make instructor's in-class notes more accessible.



However, I have not worked at all with smartpens so I have some questions:

  *   Are they also able to convert math formulas?
  *   How good is the text conversion and how much work will it require from the instructors to go from handwritten to text?
  *   Does it require special paper or can they be used on a tablet or touch screen?
  *   Do you have any recommendations for a Smartpen that would work for our needs?
  *   Is this even a possibility or am I wildly naive?

Thanks so much for your help.

H.



Heather Mariger

Digital Accessibility Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her



Center for Academic Innovation

Chemeketa Community College

4000 Lancaster Drive NE - 9/126A

Salem, OR 97305



503.589.7832



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