Dynamic Geometry Software Article Reflection

Pitfall: "Visualization always makes easier"

I agree with what Michael de Villiers wrote in this section. Just because the software helps the students to visualize the concepts does not necessarily mean that it makes learning geometry easier. For some students the use of computers could be a major distraction from what they are trying to learn. They get caught up in using the different colors and making things look nice instead of focusing on the geometry that is involved. Also, if students only learn how to do the constructions using the software and do not understand them otherwise, they will not do well when they have to do the same constructions without the use of the software.

If I was teaching geometry, I would first teach my students using traditional "paper and pencil" techniques. I could use software for demonstrations and examples at first. But, I would not allow the students to begin using the software on their own until they had a better grasp on the material. This way it would be used as an extension and verification of what they had already learned.