GeoGebra: A global platform for teaching and learning math together and using the synergy of mathematicians

Abstract

In present age we are witnesses and practioners of computer-based education which is highly speed progressing. The computer-based education allows educators and students to use educational programming language and e-tutors to teach and learn, to interact with one another and share together the results of their work. The computer-based education is done possible by special electronic tools among which the most important are the mathematical programmes. There are many mathematical programmes, but one which is being embraced and used by a daily increasing number of users throughout the world is GeoGebra. The recently published software GeoGebra by Markus Hohenwater (2004) explicitly links geometry and algebra. 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. This programme is so much preferred because of its three main features: the double representation of the mathematical object(geometric and algebraic), there are not strong requirements as to the age and the knowledge in using it(the students of the elementary school can use it as well) and, it is offered free of charge(simply by downloading it). In this paper we are concentrating in the double representation of the mathematical object and its advantages in explaining and forming mathematical concepts and performing operations, in the global opportunities for using GeoGebra and the benefits of using it by cooperating and sharing experiences. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.