Abstract:

The study deals with the creation and evaluation of applets intended for primary school pupils, that are focused on developing conceptions about symmetric shapes by using mirroring technique. The aim of the study is to describe the process of creating the applets for primary school pupils and the results of research on teachers' views on educational applets.

By using the Design Based Research method three types of educational interventions have been created b:
a) the simple mirror applet (http://www.delmat.info/a/12/),
b) the one-mirror symmetry applet (http://www.delmat.info/a/9/) and
c) two-mirror symmetry applet (http://www.delmat.info/a/10/).

In the applets we implemented elements reflecting the educational needs of pupils, their abilities and interests. Before completing the development of applets, we administered a questionnaire to 190 teachers. The aim of the questionnaire was to evaluate applets from the perspective of three important attributes: the technical and user properties of the applet, the visual properties of the applet, the professional and educational properties of the applet. The results of the questionnaire are interpreted not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively from comments and statements of teachers. The analysis of the results from the applet evaluation revealed that teachers perceive applets as educational interventions that are suitable for the target group, take into account the educational needs of pupils in given years, and by choosing levels enable children with different abilities and interests to work with applets. The results of the research allowed us to finalise the applets and provide them to pupils, teachers and parents as one way of developing children’s conceptions about symmetry.

Keywords:

Applets, math primary education, evaluation, symmetry.