A Learning Model That Stimulates Geometric Thinking Through Use of PCLogo and Geometer's Sketchpad

Summary PCLogo and Geometer's Sketchpad are powerful tools that may be used by mathematics teachers who want to integrate technology with geometry instruction in the elementary classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of PCLogo and Geometer's Sketchpad to stimulate thinking about geometric concepts in elementary age children. We used a collective case study design that included four cases, two girls (ages 8 and 10) and two boys (ages 10 and 11). All participants were trained to use PCLogo and Geometer's Sketchpad to construct geometric shapes and measure the attributes of the shapes. After the training, participants used these technologies as tools to stimulate thinking about geometric concepts. As a result of our observations of children's performances as they reasoned about geometric concepts, we developed a learning model for teaching children about geometry.