HTML5 and MathML: Internet Explorer 9 is Broken

[bobm]

I have some good news and some bad news.

First, the good news is HTML5 includes MathML and has been embraced by all browser vendors.

Now the bad news. MathML support is broken in IE9 and we see no evidence that Microsoft will fix this problem unless they are made to understand how important MathML support is to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STEM_fields" and education communities. MathML is also an important key to insuring math accessibility to the blind and sight-impaired, as well as those with certain learning disabilities.

While we applaud Microsoft for promising to support HTML5 with Internet Explorer 9, we hope you will join us in encouraging them to fix the small bug that is currently preventing MathML from working in HTML5 pages. Please publicize the issue with whatever resources you have: personal blogs, tweets, forum posts, comments on other people's blog posts, etc.

Read the whole story:http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/tech/MathMLinHTML5.htm" .

Thanks,
Bob Mathews

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I've been keeping my eye on http://www.mathjax.org/

 

[bobm]

Yep, MathJax is an awesome piece of work for sure. However, if someone's blind, he (or she) will still be needing the HTML5+MathML support in IE9, or his screen reader won't read the math. Pages will not be accessible in HTML+CSS mode, even with MathJax.

 

[DaveC426913]

I have some good news and some bad news.

First, the good news is HTML5 includes MathML and has been embraced by all browser vendors.

Now the bad news. MathML support is broken in IE9 and we see no evidence that Microsoft will fix this problem unless they are made to understand how important MathML support is to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STEM_fields" and education communities. MathML is also an important key to insuring math accessibility to the blind and sight-impaired, as well as those with certain learning disabilities.

While we applaud Microsoft for promising to support HTML5 with Internet Explorer 9, we hope you will join us in encouraging them to fix the small bug that is currently preventing MathML from working in HTML5 pages. Please publicize the issue with whatever resources you have: personal blogs, tweets, forum posts, comments on other people's blog posts, etc.

Read the whole story:http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/tech/MathMLinHTML5.htm" .

Thanks,
Bob Mathews

As a developer, who has watched IE go from a leader to a last-place follower in terms of browser-compliance, I must say I don't know what I would do in a world where IE was compliant or otherwise non-buggy. I guess I could probably flip burgers...

 

[blue_raver22]

I understand the importance of MathML support in HTML5 for the STEM fields and education communities. It is concerning to hear that IE9 has broken MathML support and that there is no indication that Microsoft plans to fix it. This not only hinders the accessibility of math content for individuals with disabilities, but also limits the potential for progress and innovation in the STEM fields.

I urge Microsoft to prioritize fixing this issue and encourage others to join in raising awareness of the problem. MathML is a valuable tool for accurately representing mathematical equations and it is crucial for it to be fully supported in HTML5. Let's work together to ensure that all browsers, including IE9, properly support MathML in order to advance scientific research and education.