From Visualization to Computer Animation Approaches in Mathematics Learning: the Legacy throughout History of Human Endeavours for Better Understanding
Medhat H. Rahim · Mathematics Education Research and Practice · 2013
Presently, there has been growing interests in using mathematics' history in teaching mathematics [Katz, V. & Tzanakis, C. (Eds.) (2011). Recent Developments on Introducing a Historical Dimension in Mathematics Education. Washington, DC: Mathematical Association of America]. Thus, this article introduces some work of scholars from ancient East Indian culture like Bhaskara (AD 1114-1185) and Arabic culture such as Ibn Qurrah (AD 9th c) that are related to Pythagoras Theorem. In addition, some Babylonian creative works related to Pythagorean triples found in a tablet known as 'Plimpton 322', and an application of the Pythagorean Theorem found in another tablet named 'Yale Tablet' are presented. Applications of computer animation of dissection Motion Operations concept in 2D and 3D using dynamic software like Geometer's-Sketchpad and Cabri-II-and-3D. Nowadays, creative minds are attracted by the recent stampede in the advances of technological applications in visual literacy; consequently, innovative environments that would help young students, gifted or not, acquiring meaningful conceptual understanding would immerge.