The effect of utilizing the dynamic geometry software in geometry teaching on 11th grade students, their academic achievement and their attitude towards geometry

This research is intended to determine how to utilize the Dynamic Geometry Software in geometry teaching affects 11th grade students, their academic standings and their attitude towards geometry.The research is a semi-experimental study and based on the post-test control group model. The sample of the research consists of 61 students studying in the 11th grade of a public school during 2009 ? 2010 academic year. The research was carried out with the participation of 31 students in the test group using the Geometer?s Sketchpad Program while the remaining 30 students in the control group usedtraditional teaching method. This was implemented for five weeks. The topic Quadrilaterals was selectedas a sample for the sub learning area. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered during the research. The data was acquired by means of ?Angles and Triangle Achievement Test?, ?Attitude Measure as regards Geometry?, ?Quadrilaterals Achievement Test? and interview forms. The qualitative data wasanalyzed having utilized TAP(Test Analysis Program) ve SPSS 15.0 statistical packaged software whereas the quantitative data was analyzed having read by the researcher and gathered under specific themes.It was understood from the research that the usage of Geometer?s Sketchpad did not make a significant difference between the academic achievements of the test and control group students in terms of quadrilaterals. It was understood that there was a significant difference in favor of the test group between the students in terms of the attitude levels of the students of both groups towards geometry at the end of the lessons taught by using the Geometer?s Sketchpad Program. There was not a significant difference between sexes in the attitude levels towards to geometry of students in experiment group.It is considered that the results gathered from the research shall contribute in the studies to be carried out on the use of Dynamic Geometry Software in geometry learning.