There are two main ways that Geogebra can be used in the classroom. The first way, and potentially the most powerful way is what has been referred to as "The incidental use of Geogebra".You do not need any preparation for using Geogebra in is manner and it is also more student focused than the more traditional approach.
Example:
- Students graph the equation y = 2x + 1.
- Change the 1 with some other numbers to see what happens to the original graph
- repeat the above process with the graph y=x²
And xy = 2 to confirm or modify your original hypothesis
In a very short space of time, students can quickly understand that if add a constant to a function, the function moves vertically by that constant.
Pros: Little preparation required, students gain a good understanding as they are manipulating the graph themselves
Cons: The teacher has to relinquish some control to the students, all students must have access to Geogebra (or at least one between 2)
Resources for Geogebra
The second use of Geogebra is prepared resources that the teacher can project onto the whiteboard (IWB) may be beneficial, but not necessary. (I've posted previously about how to use an IWB, if you don't have one and also how to use a stylus on your computer to make it a tablet)
Stay tuned for some prepared resources over the next few days.
