Question

I have to choose whether there's a need for students to construct geometric figures themselves or use a drawing program. Which one has more Pros than Cons? You don't have to list the Pros or Cons, I'm not asking you to do me homework, just lead me in the right direction please.

Argument A: There is a need for students to understand and be able to construct geometric figures using a compass and straightedge.

Argument B: There is no need for students to use a compass and straightedge, and all geometric constructions should be done using a drawing program.

Answer 1

I would choose Argument A, here is an answer for it too: People nowadays ask when they will use knowledge found in a mathematics classroom as our technology today quickly changes and progresses. But to completely appreciate a topic in math, you must learn its history. The history of Geometry goes back to ancient Egypt with the well-known mathematician Euclid. Just as the Greeks established a number system which is the basis of math today, Euclid created geometric figures using two very useful tools: the compass and the straightedge. These two tools have demonstrated to be useful throughout history, so why should we change something that has worked with us for centuries? As I considered more and more over the argument, a new question also formed in my mind. If we could use only drawing programs in geometry, then why don't we use only calculators in arithmetic? Because understanding how to do a procedure offers the basis for growing your knowledge on that subject. Also there will be a time and place when a computer will not be available and you will have to rely on your knowledge of the subject and its old yet useful tools. For example, in many engineering careers, people commonly use a compass. In a continually growing high-tech world and economy, if we rely merely on technology to teach us something, then there will be no need for us to grow and increase our knowledge.