Abstrakt
This contribution will present a study focusing on the potential of using the GeoGebra software in a linear algebra course for pre-service teachers. The freeware in question enhances dynamic geometrical representations of both simple and more complex algebraic operations.
Consequently, it seems suitable for the teaching and learning linear algebra. The experiment was conducted during a seminar that complemented the Linear Algebra lectures.
This semester-long course is compulsory to second-year students in the undergraduate program for pre-service teachers of mathematics. The primary aim of implementing GeoGebra in the course was to offer students further representation of algebraic operations, supporting their abstract thinking.
The secondary aim was to introduce the future secondary school teachers to the didactical advantages of the software. The main research question asked whether using a set of pre-designed applets would lead to a better understanding of selected algebraic operations.
The answers were based on two viewpoints: the objective outcomes that students produced in solving selected problems, and the subjective response to this extra support (i.e. whether the students see the new representation as helpful).