Geometer’s Sketchpad®: An Engaging Exploration of Geometry

Abstract

This paper is a literature review designed to investigate the implementation of a product of Key Curriculum Press®, Geometer’s Sketchpad® (GSP). GSP, a dynamic software program, allows students to be able to explore by manipulation and discover mathematical concepts of Geometry on their own. The implementation of this program engages students and makes them agents in their own learning. Questions reviewed in this paper include: How does the technology of GSP help students retain and understand material? What role does GSP play in the learning of geometric concepts? and How does the use of GSP technology affect assessment scores? By looking at learners and learning, the learning environment, curriculum and instructional strategies, and assessment, this paper will investigate the benefits and limitations of implementing GSP in high school Geometry classrooms. The results of this paper will provide educators and practitioners with an understanding of the implementation of GSP in support of their curriculums and learning environments.