تأثير التعلّم التعاونيّ المحوسب باستخدام جيوجبرا على تطّو ر الصور الذهنيّة لدى تلاميذ الصفّ السابع لمفهوم الزاويّة

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the effect of collaborative computerized learning using
GeoGebra on the development of the mental images of the angle concept among seventh
graders. We designed a new methodology and implemented it in computerized
collaborative activities that encourage the development of five kinds of angle cognitions:
real life cognition, graphical, arithmetic, verbal, and dynamic. This research is a
qualitative research that investigates how the collaborative computerized environment
based on GeoGebra provided in the experiment affects qualitatively the cognition of the
students and the development of their mental images of the angle concept.
The research sample consisted of 8 female students in the seventh grade divided into 4
groups. The researchers administered two tests, one pre/before the experiment and one
post/after teaching the activities. These tests were designed to check the mental images
that the student has in the five kinds of cognitions of the angle concept. Also several
interviews were held with the four groups in the experiment in order to hear from the
students about the advancement in their cognitions and mental images of the angle
concept.
We used the Constant Comparison Method to analyze the data of the pre and post tests.
The results of the analysis pointed at positive effect of the use of GeoGebra and the
collaborative learning on the development of mental images. Before the experiment, the
mental images were of low diversity, more varied while after the experiment. The reason
has presumably to do with the characteristics of the activities which encourage the
development of the angle cognition in depth in the five kinds of cognitions using the
computerized collaborative learning method.

Based on the results of the research, one can say that the development of the angle
concept among students depends on the diversity and development of the five cognitions
of this concept among them. Furthermore, the development of each type of cognition is
related to the diversity and development of mental images among these students who use
to express this kind of cognition. These developments and variety occurred in our
research, for our emphasis when using GeoGebra on its visual, interactive, and dynamic
characteristics and on presenting the mathematical concepts in multiple representations.
In addition, carrying out the activities in a collaborative way, that encourages discussion
and exchange of opinions between the students, would positively affect the construction
of appropriate mental images that lead to the expansion of their various cognitions of the
angle concept.
This research also includes recommendations for the teacher that can help in
implementing the collaborative learning using GeoGebra in successful and effective
way. For example, the teacher should concentrate on determining the characteristics of
the collaboration, setting instructions for that at the beginning of each activity which
encourages the students to collaborate. They should also give the students a chance to
work by themselves and discover concepts and construct them independently and
collaboratively. This of course would require the preparation of computerized
collaborative investigation and discovery activities in a clear, understandable and
accurate way