Integration of DGS activities in teaching/learning quadrilaterals according to the Lebanese curriculum. (c2008)

Abstract

Technology has become a part of most of our daily life activities. The new technological tools, such as computers and their software, provide educators with opportunities to teach in new and more constructive ways. The purpose of this project is to develop a guidebook for grade eight teachers to implement Dynamic Geometry Software, using Cabri-Geometre as a tool, in teaching the "Quadrilaterals" unit. The development of this unit has undergone several steps. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, covering three interdependent themes. These themes are DGS, teaching/learning proofs in geometry and Vygotsky's social constructivist theory. Second, the Lebanese curriculum of grade eight was reviewed, analyzed and critiqued. Finally, the guide was developed through a combination of both Cabri-Geometre and paper-and-pencil activities. The design of the guide is based on Vygotsky's social constructivist theory so that it bridges the gap between the content of the textbook and the introduction and general objectives of the Lebanese curriculum.