Global Connections for Lasting Impressions: Experiential Learning about TCP

  • Authors:

  • Colin Allison;Alan Miller;Iain Oliver;Thomas Sturgeon

  • Affiliations:

  • School of Computer Science University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8SW;School of Computer Science University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8SW;School of Computer Science University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8SW;School of Computer Science University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8SW

  • Venue:
  • ICWL '009 Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Advances in Web Based Learning
  • Year:
  • 2009

  • The Web in education

    Computer Networks: The International Journal of Computer and Telecommunications Networking

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Abstract

"Tell me and I forget, Show me and I remember, Involve me and I understand". This paper discusses the motivation for, and design of, a learning resource which allows students to explore the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). TCP is responsible for transporting over 80% of the traffic on the Internet --- all web and e-mail for example --- and in addition is the primary means of achieving Internet congestion control. TCP is therefore core to modern life. It is a protocol under constant study with a view to evolution, and it is incumbent on all ICT curricula to provide education at appropriate levels about its dynamics, strengths and weaknesses. There are no shortages of good textbooks which provide information on TCP, but these are no substitute for experiential learning in order to provide a lasting understanding. The TCP Live learning resource allows students to explore the behavior of TCP on the global Internet, and see the wide variety of conditions that the protocol has to cope with, thereby extending their viewpoint outwith the limited scope of their own institutional firewalls.