Studying a hard science like mathematics is a passion for many people. But if you belong to the group that finds it hard to sit down and study this science, don't worry! We have found an interactive online math whiteboard with features that will make the study of mathematics easier.
With Scratchwork you can practice math problems by drawing them on the canvas. The platform has the option to recognize LaTeX expressions and incorporate PDF and image annotations. The best feature of the whiteboard, however, is its collaborative function. This means you can invite other people and interact with them through video chat about any question that arises with a mathematical equation.
Scratchwork creates an ideal environment for the school environment, because students can practice mathematics on their computer or mobile device with the attentive supervision of the teaching staff.
Getting Started with Scratchwork
The first thing you have to do is register on the Scratchwork website and then open a new blank canvas. If you need to collaborate with other people on the whiteboard, you will have to invite them. To do this, you have to click on the “File” option, located at the top right, and then select “Share” to send invitations privately via email.
In the left side menu you will find the functions: pencil, scan drawing, eraser, insert LaTeX, write, pan, zoom, and full screen. In the upper left menu you will have options such as duplicate whiteboard, print page, insert PDF documents, download page, export to SVG format, and the Webcam San option, among many other features.
Using the Camera Tool for Math Equation Recognition
To use the “Mathematical equation recognition” function and scan any math problem written on paper, you will have to select the “Camera Tool” function (on the left side) and frame the math problem in your webcam. There, you will have to press the spacebar on your keyboard, so that the platform takes a photograph. After this, the equation will appear in the whiteboard interface. You only need to select the area of the equation. As soon as you do, the “Mathematical equation recognition” function will detect the problem on the paper and digitize it on the canvas.
On the right side of the whiteboard interface you will find three green icons, with which you can do text chat, video calls, and calls with members of the Scratchwork community.
Limitations of the Free Version
The free version of Scratchwork has certain limitations that we want to tell you about: You can only create four tables, it has 100 MB of storage, limited “Mathematical equation recognition”, and PDF export with a watermark.
Scratchwork is an ideal environment to practice mathematics, with the help of technology and the collaboration of a community that is active and passionate about mathematics.
