Future teachers' perception of the usefulness of SketchUp for understanding the space and geometry domain

Abstract

This article reflects the opinion of future Early Childhood Education teachers at the Universidad de Cádiz on the usefulness and degree of satisfaction of SketchUp, a 3D modelling software programme, after they participated in a workshop for didactic-mathematical training. They had to use the software to design and model their ideal nursery school in 3D, supported by clearly stated and well-defined educational pillars. This study aims to ascertain the students' perceptions of the use of this resource with the intention of assessing its suitability to offer more appropriate initial training regarding mathematics education. It seeks to make the most of using the software programme and minimise the obstacles encountered. Opinions were collected from a sample of 203 students who responded to two questionnaires designed ad hoc. The results are organised around a SWOT analysis and show a satisfactory global evaluation.

Keywords

• Mathematics education
• Educational informatics
• Educational innovation
• Teacher training
• Geometry