Learning basic concepts of telecommunications: an experiment in multimedia and learning
Computers & Education
A survey of methods used to evaluate computer science teaching
ITiCSE '98 Proceedings of the 6th annual conference on the teaching of computing and the 3rd annual conference on Integrating technology into computer science education: Changing the delivery of computer science education
Multimedia Learning
The effectiveness of simulation in a hybrid and on-line networking course
SIGCSE '03 Proceedings of the 34th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
Exploring the role of visualization and engagement in computer science education
Working group reports from ITiCSE on Innovation and technology in computer science education
Testing Effectiveness of Algorithm Animation
VL '96 Proceedings of the 1996 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages
Undergraduate data communications and networking projects using opnet and wireshark software
Proceedings of the 39th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
Using a protocol analyzer to introduce communications protocols
Proceedings of the 10th ACM conference on SIG-information technology education
Hi-index | 0.01 |
Computer networking concepts can be difficult to understand and teach as they frequently relate to complex and dynamic processes which are not readily visible or intuitive and are therefore problematic to conceptualise. Consequently teachers often incorporate simulation or visualisation tools to support the learning process, but often in a superficial way and without evaluating their effectiveness.To tackle this issue we designed the practical sessions in a 2nd year undergraduate networking unit to use a network simulation tool, Packet Tracer ™, to facilitate active learning by providing an analytical, problem solving and evaluation framework. To then evaluate the effectiveness of using Packet Tracer ™ in this way, students were assessed before and after participating in one specific practical session. Measured results showed a marked improvement in student understanding of the topic presented (VLANs). We show that the use of the simulation tool, not merely to demonstrate concepts, but to also provide feedback and guidance enhanced deep learning.