Socially constructed Virtual Learning Environments with GeoGebra Authoring Tools

Abstract

GeoGebra is mainly known for its software, which allows one to explore and work in a dynamic and interactive way with different areas of mathematics, such as: geometry, calculus, algebra, among others. However, GeoGebra also represents a set of tools for the creation and management of educational resources in digital environments, which are called Authoring Tools, namely: Activity, Book, Group, Notes and Classroom. This article presents an analysis of the social construction of digital technology, which allows us to show how these tools are socially constructed, as there is an interaction between the different interpretations of the technology manifested by the relevant social groups that construct it. Based on the analysis pointed out in the previous paragraph, it is possible to show that GeoGebra’s authoring tools are integrated and articulated to configure a Virtual Learning Environment built socially by its community, which outlines an educational approach that seeks to promote Open Education, based on Open Educational Resources. By way of illustration, the example of an open educational resource on geometric constructions is presented, –made with the authoring tools of GeoGebra– and allows an online and synchronous interaction between teachers and students, for the development of geometric tasks, such as construction, exploration and conjecture.