"GeoGebra is a tool for learning and teaching mathematics, designed to help teachers and students create an interactive learning process." This is how Markus Hohenwarter, professor of mathematics education at Johannes Kepler University Linz in Austria, describes his product—an admirably concise summary, given that GeoGebra has grown into such a comprehensive, multifaceted tool. The software—whose name blends the English words "geometry" and "algebra"—began as an online 2D dynamic geometry interface. Today, it includes many additional features available across all digital platforms.
A student project that took off…
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At first, however, GeoGebra was never intended for widespread distribution. Markus Hohenwarter explains: "I created the software for my master's thesis. I wanted to become a teacher, and I was studying computer science and mathematics. So I decided to combine my two areas of expertise and create an educational tool as my final master's project. Initially, the project was just a way to complete my degree!"
Having earned his master's degree in 2002, Markus Hohenwarter began teaching. At the urging of his former university adviser, however, he also entered GeoGebra for the European Academic Software Award, a Swedish prize. To do so, he translated the software's documentation and interface, originally written in German, into English. GeoGebra was among the award winners, suddenly bringing the project unexpected recognition and encouraging Markus Hohenwarter to develop it further.
