GeoGebraaglobalplatform Published2010
GeoGebraaglobalplatform Published2010
GeoGebraaglobalplatform Published2010
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GeoGebra: A Global Platform for Teaching and Learning Math Together and
Using the Synergy of Mathematicians
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Pellumb Kllogjeri
Universiteti Aleksander Xhuvani
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Pellumb Kllogjeri
Faculty of Natural Sciences,
Department of Mathematics and Informatics,
University ‘Aleksander Xhuvani’,
L. Konf. Labinotit, P.61, Elbasan, Albania
E-mail: pkallogjeri@gmail.com
Website: http://www.uniel.edu.al
Bederiana Shyti*
Faculty of Natural Sciences,
Department of Mathematics and Informatics,
University ‘Aleksander Xhuvani’,
Rr. Rinia, Elbasan, Albania
E-mail: bshyti@hotmail.com
*Corresponding author
1 Introduction
What is GeoGebra and its main characteristics and tools? GeoGebra, the recently
published software by Markus Hohenwater (2004) is a dynamic mathematics software for
schools that joins geometry, algebra, and calculus, it is an interactive geometry system.
With GeoGebra is possible to do constructions with points, vectors, segments, lines, and
conic sections as well as functions while changing them dynamically afterwards. The two
characteristic views of GeoGebra are: an expression in the algebra window corresponds
to an object in the geometry window and vice versa. GeoGebra’s user interface consists
of a graphics window and an algebra window. On the one hand we can create geometric
constructions on the drawing pad of the graphics window and, on the other hand, we can
directly enter algebraic input, commands, and functions into the input field by using the
keyboard (Judith and Markus, 2008).
What is the double representation?
GeoGebra affords a bidirectional combination of geometry and algebra that differs
from earlier software forms. The bidirectional combination means that, for instance,
by typing in an equation in the algebra window, the graph of the equation will be shown
in the dynamic and graphic window. While the graphical representation of all objects is
displayed in the graphics window, their algebraic numeric representation is shown in the
algebra window.
The geometric constructions are done by the means of the main virtual tools.
The virtual tools are found in the set of the toolboxes which have to be opened, then a
tool has to be selected, activated and used during the construction process. The virtual
tools are found in the toolboxes with their names linked with their functions like:
New point, Move, Line through two points, Segment between two points etc., alongside
which is their picture also. There are also buttons like: Delete object, Move drawing pad,
Zoom in/Zoom out, Undo/Redo buttons etc. GeoGebra offers more commands than
geometry tools.
GeoGebra: a global platform for teaching and learning math together 227
2 What are the advantages and what is the power of using GeoGebra
with double representation in math teaching and learning process?
In this section, we present the advantages of using GeoGebra in our teaching and
learning process by giving a few examples, but there are more and more other examples
confirming this advantage. This topic should be explored and enriched by the activities
and the experiences of many teachers who are actively teaching.
changing the number n of rectangles by moving the respective point on the slider bar can
be observed the properties of the rectangles of the Lower Sum and Upper Sum by seeing
their respective values in the algebra window. The fact is that the number n influences the
Lower and Upper Sum and the conclusion is that: greater n be, less their difference
becomes, tending to zero. This observation leads to a quick grasping of the concept for
the definite integral by the students. This example and the next one are taken from the
paper of Josef (2008), ‘Linking Geometry, Algebra and Calculus with GeoGebra’,
pp.8, 12.
Figure 1 The lower and upper sum of a function (see online version for colours)
This geometric representation is very important for the students of the low cycle system
or at the primary level of education. To help the students to master the performance
of an algorithm is the same as making sense of formal concept definitions which have
to be linked with the concept images. The concept images of the students are based on
their prior knowledge, acquired through their different experiences.
“The tendency of many students to evoke their concept image […] in many
situations it is desirable to have and evoke rich concept images and, … research
shows that visualisation facilitates mathematical understanding.” (Angel and
Paolo, 2006, p.149)
In order for the students to correctly perform the algorithm of multiplying fractions they
should have prior experience and GeoGebra is a very good and effective tool, providing
the environment for getting such experience with its double representation feature.
The visualisation of the algorithm leads to visual reasoning; as Gutierrez (1996)
summarised, much of the discussion on visualisation noting that,
“the visual processes are involved in interpreting: (a) External representations
to form mental images and (b) The mental image in order to generate
information.” (Angel and Paolo, 2006, p.90)
So, with visualisation abilities the students form visual reasoning and get the right
information in performing an algorithm and understanding and owning a mathematical
concept. Many psychologists and researchers in the field of mathematics strong stress the
visual reasoning in the work of today’s mathematicians and teachers.
Suffice it to quote here that:
“In his 1991 plenary address to the International Group for the Psychology
of Mathematics Education, Dreyfus urged mathematicians and mathematics
educators to give increased importance to visual reasoning – not to elevate it
above analytic reasoning but on an equal level with it. Visual reasoning plays a
far more important role in the work of today’s mathematicians than is generally
acknowledged.” (Hadamard, 1949; Sfard, 1994)
Other research, for example, Battista et al. (1989), Brown (1993), Brown and Wheatley
(1989, 1990, 1991), Clements and Sarama (this vol.), Reynolds and Wheatley (1992),
Wheatley et al. (1994), has shown the power of image-based reasoning in mathematical
problem solving.
“Students who used images in their reasoning were more successful
in solving non-routine mathematics problems than those who approached the
tasks procedurally.” (Lyn, 1997, p.154)
x = b, y = 0 and the curve y = 1/x (Figure 3). It is known that the area of such plane
figures is ln(b) – ln(a) = ln(b/a), where 0< a < b. The double representation allows the
students to see a particular case for the lower and upper bounds: selecting them by
consecutive powers of 10, and writing down the values of the areas calculated or
generated by GeoGebra. A few trials show that:
100 1
∫10 x
ln(100) − ln(10) = ln(10)
104 1
∫103 x
dx = ln(104 ) − ln(103 ) = ln(10)
10−1 1
∫10−2 x
dx = ln(10−1 ) − ln(10−2 ) = ln(10)
10k +1 1
∫10k x
dx = ln(10k +1 ) − ln(10k ) = ln(10).
In the figure above two cases for the lower bound of the integral are given, which
is 10n for n = –0.5 for which the area is denoted by a and, n = 0 for which the area is
denoted by b. They are equal: a = b = 2.3, approximately ln(10).
Figure 3 The area calculated by GeoGebra programme is constant: 2.3 (see online version
for colours)
In order for the students to investigate that the area of the plane figure satisfying the
above conditions is constant for any hyperbola function of type f(x) = m/x, in a GeoGebra
window with double representation two sliders are inserted: slider m for the parameter
m of hyperbola taking integer values from –5 to 5 with increment 1 and, the slider n for
the powers of number 2 (as a case we have made the choice that the boundaries
are consecutive powers of the number 2). The left and right boundaries of the plane
figure are 2n and 2(n+1), respectively, where n takes integer values from –5 to 5.
The students can play with the two sliders and investigate what happens with the area.
They can keep parameter m constant (for e.g., m = 2) and move the slider n changing
its values gradually. The vertical boundaries of the plane figure are displaced
simultaneously and they see that the area remains constant, actually shown by the
equality a = 2ln2 = 1.39 square units. The other investigation the students can perform
is the dependence of the area from parameter m when the vertical boundaries are not
changed. So, they can play with slider m (not moving slider n) and observe the values of
the area. It is advisable that the students keep notes for the values of the areas got by
moving the sliders, especially the slider m: they must register the values on a table with
two rows (the first row for the values of m and the second for the respective values of the
area). Comparing the area values for different values of m, they discover that the area of
the plane figure with fixed vertical boundaries is equal to the area of the respective plane
figure for the function f(x) = 1/x multiplied by the absolute value of m (Figure 4).
Figure 4 Area of the plane figure in general case for f(x) = m/x (see online version for colours)
If for the function f(x) = 1/x, the bounds of the area are, respectively: a b ..and..a b +1 , where
a > 0, b any real value, the area is ln(a). Again, it can be demonstrated with GeoGebra
that the area of the figure with such lower and upper bounds is constant.
So, by manipulating with tools of computer programmes we are led to analytically
proof and formulation of the statement: The area of the plane surface with boundaries
232 P. Kllogjeri and B. Shyti
f(x) = m/x, y = 0, and the perpendiculars with OX in the points of two consecutive powers
of number a is constant: m*ln(a).
GeoGebra is mainly used as a tool for teaching and researching. It is used as
a checking tool to test and verify thinking, or sometimes, when it is inconvenient to
draw graphs on the blackboard, it is used as a demonstration tool to emphasise their
impression.
GeoGebra is a special field to pursue research on teaching and learning and a strong
tool to realise the ‘didactical triangle’ which is: “the teacher, the student, and the
knowledge taught/learned” (Mathematics Education Library, 2002c).
Epistemology helps researchers make sense of research information, transforming
it into data detailing how that analysis might be patterned, reasoned, and compiled
and shows the belief they have about the nature of the reality they describe (Willis, 2007;
Creswell, 2007; Scott and Morrison, 2005).
GeoGebra is an answer to the epistemological questions about
“… how technology can help to construct an understanding of mathematics
and how GeoGebra can be used interactively to scaffold the construction
of mathematics knowledge.” (Allison Lu, 2008)
GeoGebra creates an atmosphere where the teacher encourages the students to think
creatively and promotes a problem-oriented approach to the teaching of mathematics.
GeoGebra software is a tool and a platform that can be used by the students of any level.
It can be used by young people, even by the students of a primary school. This is because
of the great variety of the exercises like puzzles and entertaining, construction, testing,
research, problem-solving etc. that can be accomplished by using GeoGebra tools and
its platform. Young people are game-driven and curiosity problem-driven. GeoGebra
software is the right tool and the platform for meeting the trends and needs of this
generation, not only in the school but in their homes as well or elsewhere, so long as
they have internet access. GeoGebra is an open source for teaching and learning, free
of charge and for all.
Their mathematical formation by using GeoGebra is indisputable in this IT age
and knowledge society where, as Miltiadis D. Lytras writes in his paper “Teaching in the
knowledge society: an art of passion”,
“Young people are computer literate up to an extremely satisfying level,
they use advanced software tools and hardware systems, … Furthermore,
the new amazing communication capacities characterising our era (blogs,
wikis, personal desktops, satellite connections) provide them with a global
context. These characteristics of change require a translation in terms of
reflective actions. Academic Institutions must develop new flexible approaches
for open teaching and learning. We started the International Journal of
Teaching and Case Studies with the ultimate objective of providing fresh ideas
on how Teaching can be transformed into an Art of Passion.” (p.2)
So, the young people’s potentialities and the communication capacities are available.
A response by the Academic Institutions is necessary. GeoGebra software is a very good
programme and tool to be used by them and GeogebraWiki is a respond added to the
other efforts and approaches done for open teaching and learning and for incorporating
new techniques and technologies in the teaching and learning process. GeoGebra
provides networking, open access, sharing of knowledge and teaching methods
and results, accumulation of experiences and further development of them. GeoGebra
and other sources are very useful tools and opportunities that must be used by the
Academic Institutions as the best means to reach communities and use the synergy of
234 P. Kllogjeri and B. Shyti
mathematicians for global progress, giving answer this way to the questions raised by
Militiadis in the same paper like:
“How can we exploit communities of teachers and learners aiming to
match together common interests and to exploit the synergies of differences?
How can we manage the various resources required for teaching, including
Content, Technologies, Human Resources, Processes, Skills Competencies,
Institutional policies etc?” (p.5)
Stage 1: Teachers have to get comfortable with the software alone at home, using the
software to create nice pictures for tests.
Stage 2: Teachers use GeoGebra as a presentation tool.
Stage 3: Teachers do use GeoGebra to visualise what has been discussed and, to get
students interact with one another. So students do some kind of exercise and GeoGebra
can be used as a checking tool. They type in what they think is the answer and show
it to the class and compare the different answers.
Stage 4: Teachers can ask many more open questions. Students can play with GeoGebra
to come up with conjectures, thus not just checking the conjecture but also developing
the conjectures (Allison Lu, 2008, p.52).
Acknowledgements
Our thanks to Dr. Miltiadis D. Lytras who proposed to us to submit our paper for
the International Journals that are sponsoring TECH-EDUCA and who encouraged
us to present an extended version of our paper by providing new sources and journals
via internet links.
References
Alison, R. (2008) ‘Learning in a mediated online environment’, Int. J. Technology Enhanced
Learning, Vol. 1, Nos. 1–2, Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd., Electronic Paper,
http://www.open-knowledge-society.org/IJKL5342009
Allison Lu, Y-W. (2008) Linking Geometry and Algebra: A Multiple-Case Study of Upper-
Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Conceptions and Practices of GeoGebra in England and
Taiwan, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, www.geogebra.org
Angel, G. and Paolo, B. (2006) Handbook of Research on the Psychology of Mathematics
Education, Sense Publishers, The Netherlands.
Hohenwarter, M. and Lavicza, Z. (2007) ‘Mathematics teacher development with ICT: towards an
International GeoGebra Institute’, in Küchemann, D. (Ed.): Proceedings of the British Society
for Research into Learning Mathematics, Vol. 27, No. 3, pp.49–54.
Josef, B. (2008) Linking Geometry, Algebra and Calculus with GeoGebra, ACDCA, DUG and
Technical University of Vienna, p.8, 12; www.geogebra.org/wiki
Judith, H. and Markus, H. (2008) Introduction to GeoGebra, www.geogebra.org
Lyn, D. (Ed.) (1997) Mathematical Reasoning: Analogies, Metaphors, and Images, Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ.
Lytras, M.D. (2007) ‘Teaching in the knowledge society: an art of passion’, Int. J. Teaching and
Case Studies, Vol. 1, Nos. 1–2, 2007 1, Copyright © 2007 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
http://www.open-knowledge-society.org/IJKL5342009
Mathematics Education Library (2002a) Computer Environments for the Learning of Mathematics,
Vol. 13, p.191, Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York, Boston, Dordrecht, London,
Moscow.
236 P. Kllogjeri and B. Shyti