Geometer’s
Sketchpad is a software program designed as a learning aid for Geometry. The
program is a designed based on the Constructivist perspective of learning.
The user has maximum control of information input. The software does not
present any stimulus for user response. It is a very flexible and almost
limitlessly powerful tool to use for students from middle school to college
level. On the other hand, the software offers no guideline to the curriculum
of the content. Thus careful planning is crucial in using Geometer’s
Sketchpad.
The program’s
interface is similar to a draw program where a menu bar is located on the
upper edge of the window and a few tools on the left-hand side. The document
is a blank canvas where users can create geometric shapes for various
purposes. It is equipped with construction options that allow users to
construct geometric forms using mathematical principles. In addition to
constructing geometric forms, the program also performs some calculations
such as measuring distance, length, angle, area, perimeter, etc. It also
constructs polygons when given a set of points.
A trial version of the software can be downloaded for unlimited
time (the file cannot be saved, however), at
http://www.keypress.com/sketchpad/sketchdemo.html
Sample Activity: Learning Area of Triangles and
Quadrilaterals in a Constructivist Approach using the Geometer's Sketchpad.