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Peer Review

Geometry Gallery

Reviewed:

Jun 2, 2002 by Mathematics
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.0 stars
Content Quality: 4.0 stars
Effectiveness: 4.0 stars
Ease of Use: 4.0 stars
Overview:

The Geometry Gallery has four sections
  1. Basic Geometry (nine
    modules, reviewed separately)
  2. Triangle calculators
    (four modules)
  3. Advanced Geometry (ten
    modules, reviewed separately)
  4. Mechanisms (three
    modules).

The modules are based on JAVA applets illustrating
geometric phenomena.


Please see the associated reviews of the href="http://www.merlot.org/artifact/PeerReviewDetail.po?rOid=1010000000000021521">Basic
Geometry modules and the href="http://www.merlot.org/artifact/PeerReviewDetail.po?rOid=1010000000000021522">Advanced
Geometry modules.

Type of Material:

Interactive modules based on JAVA applets
Technical Requirements:

Computer with browser supporting JAVA.
Identify Major Learning Goals:

Sections 1 and 3 are set up as learning experiences, in elementary and advanced geometry, repsectively. The modules in Section 2 are "calculators," as advertised. The modules in section 4 are not set up for learning (in the context of high school and college math classes).
Target Student Population:

Beginning and/or advanced students in Plane Geometry.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

In general, ability to read
instructions and to handle a mouse. More specifically,
  1. Some familiarity with elementary geometrical concepts (circle,
    angle, radius, chord, etc.)
  2. Familiarity with triangles and the SAS, SSS, SSA theorems.
  3. Good understanding of elementary plane geometry, good motivation.
  4. Curiosity.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

Many of the modules in Sections 1 and 3 are ready to be used in class and for assignments. They are well designed, scientifically sound, and outstanding in bringing the geometry to life in a streamlined and elegant way.
Concerns:

  • The modules in Section 2 have a flaw affecting their use in
    instruction: they do not handle degenerate or impossible cases
    correctly. For example, feeding 3,4,11 into the SSS applet gives a
    nonsensical answer.
  • The modules in Section 4 (and a couple of the modules in section 3)
    show what can be done with the software but are not appropriate as is
    for use by students. In particular the modules in Section 4 would need
    much more documentation/explanation to be of use to students.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

Modules in Sections 1 and 3 are very effective (please see the separate reviews as referenced above).
Concerns:

Modules in sections 2 and 4 are not set up to be effective in course-related work.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

Explanations are clear and useful. A uniform notation standard is used throughout: movable points are highlighted in the same way, etc. Applet functioning is very smooth.
Concerns:

None in general
Creative Commons:
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