Learning geometrical concepts using dynamic geometry software

Description/Abstract

Dynamic geometry software promises direct manipulation of geometrical objects and relations. This paper reports aspects of a research study deigned to examine the impact of using such software on student conceptions. Analysis of the data from the study indicates that, while the use of dynamic geometry software can assist students in making progress towards more mathematical explanation (and thereby provide a foundation on which to build further notions of deductive reasoning in mathematics), the ‘dynamic’ nature of the software influences the form of explanation, especially in the early stages.