Computers in the Mathematics Classroom

516 Words2 Pages

?Calculators and computers are reshaping the

mathematical landscape, and school mathematics should

reflect those changes? (NCTM 24). My view of mathematics

and geometry is that they go hand in hand. You have to

know some algebraic procedures in order to be able to

perform geometry problems. I never enjoyed Geometry in

high school but now that I see it in a different

prospective using GSP I really understand and enjoy it. I

think that Geometry should be taught with software so the

students can work with it hand in hand with the teacher and

other students. Looking from the teacher prospective it

would be easier to describe various concepts.

To learn geometry means to know how to perform

geometric problems and understand the process. I also

think that a person should know various ways to perform

geometry including the use of a calculator and Geometry

Sketch Pad. One expectation of Geometry according the NCTM

Standards is to ?draw and construct representations of twoand

three-dimensional geometric objects using a variety of

tools? (308). By using GSP the process is easier to follow

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then just using a pencil and paper approach. Now don?t get

me wrong using pencil and paper to draw various geometry

objects is ways to have the student learn express

relational understanding. Geometry Sketch Pad gives the

user the option of reversing the steps to see were you

started which could help to remember the process which is

even more of a relational understanding. The user can also

save his or her work for the future and the teacher is also

able to see what the student?s train of thought.

We need to use Dynamic Geometry Software in our

teaching and learning so we can see and play with problems

presented. By teaching with the use of Geometry Sketch Pad

the teacher has the capabilities to teach outside of the

book. It causes students to learn in a more relational way

as apposed to instrumental (How Should Mathematics Be

Taught?). By learning with the use of Geometry Sketch Pad

a person is able to save their work for later reflections

and they are able to learn a process. The capabilities of

GSP are vast. The teacher and the learner both can benefit

significantly through the use of GSP.

I only foresee a little difference between the use of

Dynamic Geometry Software in High school and in middle

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school. I think at the high school level is where teachers

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