Geometer’s Sketchpad is a dynamic software program used primarily in a commercial setting. Similar to a CAD (computer aided design) program, it is a digital version of what can be accomplished with a compass, straight edge and a pencil. Sketchpad is very popular among Geometry teachers and students as it allows a visual representation of what students are trying to “see” in their minds. Objects created can be moved, colored, adjusted and sent into motion.
The basics of Sketchpad are very easy to learn and can usually be relayed to students within 15 – 20 minutes, depending on what you will be using it for. Students can create points by selecting the “point” tool and then connect those using the “line” tool. There are other basic commands such as selecting a line and creating a parallel line x units away, or perpendicular line through a point on a selected line.
A couple of good uses of this software can be seen in Geometry. Understanding coordinate geometry proofs can be hard for students at first but using Sketchpad can drastically ease their minds. Students can measure sides, angles and diagonal segments to learn what exactly makes a square a square or a rectangle different from a parallelogram. Once conjectures are made, students can manipulate the shape to see if their theories always hold true. Since the tool is basically a computer version of a compass and straight edge, it a great leaning supplement for basic constructions seen in Geometry.
In my opinion this is a great tool to introduce in the classroom. Although, it could be used on its own to teach certain topics, it serves best as a supplement to classroom instruction. In the case of proofs, it someone of a “seeing is believing” concept for the students. The ease of start up only adds to this software’s appeal in the classroom.
I like this tool because it is something to help make learning easier for students, especially visual learners. Some students just can't picture things in their minds and learn effectively, they need to see it. I think this tool will help those learners the most but it sounds like it would benefit the whole class as well.
ReplyDeleteI think I said this on another post, but just in case you didn't see it, I'll mention it here as well. If you haven't used Geogebra before, you should check it out. It is VERY similar to Geometer's Sketchpad, but it is free to download and can be used directly from your internet browser, so students with internet access at home could use it outside of school.
ReplyDeleteI loved geometers sketchpad when I used it. I have not taught a class where I could use it. I used it when I was in college. It was great for visual seeing and creating objects!
ReplyDelete-Celeste
I have used Geometer's Sketchpad not only at the college level, but also in my classroom. I have used it to work with linear equations, slope, y-intercept, and the beginnings of quadratic functions. Geometer's Sketchpad is a fast and easy way to graph functions and then to move along those functions and analyze their characteristics. I hope to, in the future, be able to take my classes to a computer lab and teach them to use this versatile software!
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