Using JavaSketchpad Applets in Teaching College Geometry
Catherine A. Gorini
cgorini@mum.edu
Department of Mathematics
Maharishi University of Management
Fairfield, IA 52557-1055
Link to Materials


This talk will describe computer labs that have been developed for use in a college geometry course. Each lab consists of one or more JavaSketchpad applets together with questions for students and is self-contained on one web page. The labs require only a web browser and little or no experience with computers on the part of the students. Examples of labs for Ceva's theorem, circle geometry, and symmetry transformations will be given.

I will demonstrate how easy it is to use JavaSketchpad and will share my experience on developing and using these web pages for a college geometry class. In particular, students must be able to control the sketches for themselves, sketches should include all possible cases of a theorem, and lab questions should direct students attention to the key features of a sketch. These labs have been designed to make the best use of short blocks of student time with the computer-they are able to do an interesting and challenging lab even before learning how to use the software. Students can download them from their home computers whether or not they have Geometer's Sketchpad. In addition, the labs prepare students for using Geometer's Sketchpad on their own. I will be using these labs this May while teaching a course based on College Geometry: A Computer Activity Approach using The Geometer's Sketchpad by Barbara Reynolds and Bill Fenton and then for another course taught during the summer.