Utilização de aplicativos touchscreen no ensino de Matemática: possibilidades, problemas e possíveis soluções

Abstract

The teaching of mathematics changes slowly while the students' profile changes every generation. The I.T. labs set up in public schools, which are high cost investments, often get forgotten and become obsolete. Nowadays, with technology evolution and the appearance of smartphones and tablets, new educational apps are being developed for these tools. Many discussions have been held regarding the real applicability of such tools, if they can really help or simply distract the student, but it is a known fact that they are present all the time and that it is worthy to use them in order to improve the learning experience. Sketchometry is a dynamic geometry app with basic commands that could help students with geometry and mathematical functions. The moving of constructions, usually made by gestures and with the imagination of teachers, can now be done with the touch of fingers on the screens of mobile phones and tablets, making visualization easier. Teachers, however, still have difficulties implementing such tools in their classes. This essay attempted to evaluate the opinion of students of primary school, undergraduates, masters degree students and masters on the usage of smartphones/tablets in class. Activities with Sketchometry were shown, followed by an evaluation questionnaire for the research. The results obtained indicate that some of the reasons provided not to use the tools, are the number of students per classroom, the lack of structure in schools and the lack of skill of teachers. When it comes to licentiates, master's degree students and graduates from UFRRJ's PROFMAT, the majority of teachers and soon to be teachers believe in the usage of the tools, that the students are interested in using them and that there are indeed obstacles but they are not insuperable.