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USE OF GEOMETER'S SKETCHPAD
AND JAVA SKETCHPAD IN THE TEACHING OF MATHS
WHAT
IS GEOMETER'S SKETCHPAD (GSP)?
Geometer's
Sketchpad is a software that uses the principle of dynamic
geometry. It allows the users to maintain the mathematical relationships
between all the objects created. For example, the picture on the right
shows the point P on the perpendicular bisector of AB, the line AP which
links the points A and P and the line BP which links the points B and P.
The users can then move the point P along the perpendicular bisector of
AB and the lines AP and BP will also move accordingly. This principle of
dynamic geometry is the basis of the power and the usefulness of the Geometer's
Sketchpad.
Geometer's Sketchpad can also be used to plot graphs. This is more interactive
than Graphmatica. The users can move the graphs and change them in a more
dynamic way.
WHERE
TO DOWNLOAD GEOMETER'S SKETCHPAD?
You can download the latest version of the software from http://www.keypress.com/sketchpad/sketchdemo.html.
Alternatively, you can download it from http://download.cnet.com.
Just type the name of the software in the Search Box.
INTERACTIVE
INTERNET LESSONS USING JAVASKETCHPAD
JavaSketchpad converts the GSP sketches to JavaSketches which are interactive
on the Internet. This allows the users to use them without having to own
a copy of Geometer's Sketchpad. Unlike a plugin (e.g. the LiveMath Plugin)
which users need to download and install, the JavaSketchpad does not
need the users to do anything. It all depends on the person who constructs
the webpages.
The JavaSketch below shows the locus of the midpoint M of a line PQ
as the points P and Q move round their respective circles in the same direction.
Click on the animation button to see the locus. To erase the trace, click
on the button [X] at the bottom.
If you cannot see the JavaSketch below, click on the Refresh
button. It may take a while. If you still cannot see it, click
here to troubleshoot.
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