A critical analysis of how the potential of Dynamic Geometry Software as a visualisation tool may enhance the teaching of Mathematics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Beena Deepak Mavani

Visualisation in the mathematics classroom has its own pedagogical value and plays a significant role in developing mathematical intuition, thought and ideas. Dynamic visualisation possibilities of current digital technologies afford new ways of teaching and learning mathematics. The freely available GeoGebra software package is highly interactive and makes use of powerful features to create objects that are dynamic, and which can be moved around on the computer screen for mathematical exploration. This research study was conceptualised within the GeoGebra Literacy Initiative Project (GLIP) – an ICT teacher development project in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The focus of this study was on how GeoGebra could be used as a teaching tool by harnessing its powerful visualisation capacity. In the study, selected GLIP teachers collaboratively developed GeoGebra applets, then implemented and evaluated them. The research methodology took the form of action research cycles in which the design, implementation and evaluation of successive applets determined the data gathering and analysis process. My data consisted mainly of recorded observations and reflective interviews. The underlying theoretical foundation of this study lies in constructivism, which aligned well with the conceptual and analytical framework of Kilpatrick et al.’s (2001) description of teaching proficiency. An in-depth analysis of my classroom observations resulted in multiple narratives that illuminated how teachers harnessed the visualisation capabilities inherent in the software. My findings showed that dynamic visualisation and interactivity afforded by the use of technology are key enabling factors for teachers to enhance the visualisation of mathematical concepts. My analysis across participants also showed that technical difficulties often compromised the use of technology in the teaching of mathematics. The significance of this research is its contribution to the ongoing deliberations of visualisation and utilisation of technological resources, particularly through the empowerment of a community of teachers. The findings recognised that the integration of technology required appropriate training, proper planning and continuous support and resources for the teaching of mathematics. This action research provided insightful information on integrating Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) tools in mathematics classrooms that could be useful to teachers and curriculum planners.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.30) ◽  
pp. 367
Author(s):  
Fariz Setyawan ◽  
Yosep Dwi Kristanto ◽  
Naufal Ishartono

The use of technology is essential in teaching and learning process. Many researchers have already been implemented Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) in teaching and learning process. Given the importance of DGS, it is necessary for in-service teachers to use the software in their teaching and learning. Hence, it is important to prepare in-service teacher in utilizing DGS through the professional development program. This is a qualitative research which describes a professional development program to facilitate in-service teachers in utilizing DGS. Both questionnaire and review measured in-service teachers’ perceptions, knowledge and skills transfer, and impact for their practice. From the findings, four of five in-service teachers recognized that they can interact with geometric figures to move on to the next level by using DGS. The teachers felt that DGS has helped them to understand the mathematics concept and demonstrate their understanding in front of the class. Besides, DGS does not only offer opportunities for teachers and students to use them both at home and in the classroom, but they also provide a means for developing support and user communities reaching across borders especially in understanding of geometrical transformation. It has contributed that the teachers easily recognize the geometrical shapes interpretations dynamically on DGS.


Author(s):  
Milan Sherman ◽  
Carolyn McCaffrey James ◽  
Amy Hillen ◽  
Charity Cayton

This case provides readers with an opportunity to consider issues pertaining to the use of instructional technologies in the mathematics classroom. As a narrative case based on a lesson observed in a real classroom, the case reflects the complexities of this context, yet was written to highlight certain themes relevant to teaching mathematics with technology. In particular, how students use dynamic geometry software to explore mathematical relationships, how they engage with the Standards for Mathematical Practice, and the important role of the teacher in this process are prominent themes in the lesson.


Author(s):  
Gerrit Stols

<blockquote>This study investigated the geometric cognitive growth of pre-service mathematics teachers in terms of the Van Hiele levels in a technology-enriched environment, as opposed to that of students in a learning environment without any technological enhancements. In order to investigate this, a quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group design was used. Similar course content was used for both the control and experimental groups. The students worked through a series of geometry activities and problems. The difference between the groups was that dynamic geometry software was integrated into the teaching of the experimental group. The <em>Cognitive Development and Achievement in Secondary School Geometry</em> (CDASSG) Van Hiele geometry test was used to determine all the students' level of geometric thinking before and after the course. The study found that the use of dynamic geometry software enhanced student teachers' geometric visualisation, analysis and deduction, but not their ability to informally justify their reasoning and to understand the formal aspects of deduction.</blockquote>


2014 ◽  
Vol 107 (9) ◽  
pp. 701-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Trocki

The advent of dynamic geometry software has changed the way students draw, construct, and measure by using virtual tools instead of or along with physical tools. Use of technology in general and of dynamic geometry in particular has gained traction in mathematics education, as evidenced in the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI 2010).


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Barchielli ◽  
Cristina Marullo ◽  
Manila Bonciani ◽  
Milena Vainieri

Abstract Background Several technological innovations have been introduced in healthcare over the years, and their implementation proved crucial in addressing challenges of modern health. Healthcare workers have frequently been called upon to become familiar with technological innovations that pervade every aspect of their profession, changing their working schedule, habits, and daily actions. Purpose An in-depth analysis of the paths towards the acceptance and use of technology may facilitate the crafting and adoption of specific personnel policies taking into consideration definite levers, which appear to be different in relation to the age of nurses. Approach The strength of this study is the application of UTAUT model to analyse the acceptance of innovations by nurses in technology-intensive healthcare contexts. Multidimensional Item Response Theory is applied to identify the main dimensions characterizing the UTAUT model. Paths are tested through two stage regression models and validated using a SEM covariance analysis. Results The age is a moderator for the social influence: social influence, or peer opinion, matters more for young nurse. Conclusion The use of MIRT to identify the most important items for each construct of UTAUT model and an in-depth path analysis helps to identify which factors should be considered a leverage to foster nurses’ acceptance and intention to use new technologies (o technology-intensive devices). Practical implications Young nurses may benefit from the structuring of shifts with the most passionate colleagues (thus exploiting the social influence), the participation in ad hoc training courses (thus exploiting the facilitating conditions), while other nurses could benefit from policies that rely on the stressing of the perception of their expectations or the downsizing of their expectancy of the effort in using new technologies.


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