GeoGebra is an easy-to-use, free, cross-platform program that allows users to create demonstrations and exploration tools with both geometric and algebraic representations.  Its capabilities cover many topics in standard math courses through calculus and elementary statistics.  The software can be used in a standalone fashion or activities can be saved as applets, for use either by the instructor or students. The saving as applets does not require the teacher to learn java or flash, and the user only needs a java enabled browser.

The workshop will include:

• An exploration of the capabilities of GeoGebra, with a focus on creating example demonstrations for a variety of courses;

• Demonstration of the techniques for producing effective applets and incorporating them into web pages;

• Discussion of pedagogical issues in effectively incorporating applets into your courses.

No previous knowledge of the software is assumed.

To increase the impact of the workshop in the professional development of the participants, the workshop is structured with preliminary activities, and intensive phase, and non-intensive follow-up work. 

Preliminary Activities

Before the intensive phase begins, participants will be expected to download and install the software to be used for the workshop.  There will also be a connectivity test day to make make sure the communication software works for all participants.

Intensive Phase

The intensive phase of the workshop will run July 11-15, 2011 with a 90 minute session each morning and afternoon.

One of the goals of the workshop is that participants gain enough skill and comfort with GeoGebra to be able to incorporate it into their teaching.  During the intensive phase of the workshop participants will, either individually or in groups, construct a GeoGebra activity that they will share with the workshop.

Non-Intensive Follow-up 

Participants will also be asked, either individually or in groups, to produce another activity in each of the following two semesters.  Our experience is that this will help the participants reach the level of skill and comfort with the technology required for them to use it productively in the future outside of the workshop.

Hopefully, one or two participants will be able to present a poster at JMM in the session on NSF funded projects.