The development of myGSP: an online resource for teaching mathematics based on geometer’s sketchpad (GSP)

Abstract

MyGSP was developed following various constraints faced by teachers to integrate the Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP) software into mathematics lessons. Based on the Waterfall Design Model, the development of MyGSP started with the analysis of user needs through literature review and simple survey. From the analysis, three main constraints were identified: (1) insufficient time to prepare for GSP-aided lessons; (2) lack of training on GSP integration in lessons; and (3) lack of references for teaching mathematics using GSP. Therefore, taking into account the computer equipment currently available at schools, the researcher developed MyGSP to overcome these constraints. In the design phase, the researcher developed teaching materials for mathematics topics at secondary schools. Teaching strategies adopting higher order of thinking skills were applied in the teaching materials. Apart from this, video tutorials on GSP usage in teaching materials were also developed. In the implementation and unit testing phase, 30 pre-service Mathematics teachers participated by providing feedback on the materials developed. In the integration phase, the modules, i.e., Teaching Material Module, Download Module, Forum Module, and Video Tutorial Module, were combined into one system known as MyGSP. The MyGSP system was also updated and enhanced from time to time in the maintenance phase. It is hoped that MyGSP will be able to fulfill teachers’ needs for integrating GSP into their classrooms.