Usability of virtual network laboratory in engineering education and computer network course

Dobrilovic, Dalibor; Jevtic, V.; Stojanov, Zeljko; Odadzic, Borislav

doi:10.1109/icl.2012.6402049

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Like many other courses in science and engineering fields, practical laboratory (lab) work is considered to be a critical component of courses in computer networks (Abdullah & Ehsan, 2012;Dobrilovic et al, 2012;Hailin, 2017;Javidi & Sheybani, 2008;Pan, 2010;Ruiz-Martinez et al, 2013;Sarkar, 2006a). A common teaching approach for practical lab work in such courses (F2F) is to use instructor-led lab sessions, for example, as workshops or tutorials, where students are asked to follow step-by-step instructions to configure network devices and protocols, then report and explain what they observe.…”

Section: Lack Of Integration Of Online Laboratory Sessionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These understandings generally involve taking an active hands-on role in learning how to configure and manage real-world computer network scenarios from a well-understood theoretical perspective. Therefore, like many other courses in science and engineering fields, laboratory (lab) work is an indispensable component for learning in computer networking courses, ensuring that students have the requisite knowledge, skills and experiences with regard to computer networks and systems (Abdullah & Ehsan, 2012;Dinita et al, 2012;Dobrilovic et al, 2012;Dobrilović & Odadžić, 2006;Mikac & Horvatić, 2019;Prvan & Ožegović, 2020;Ruiz-Martinez et al, 2013;Sarkar, 2006a;Sasi et al, 2020;Shimba et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking

Woolcott,

Bui

2023

European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning

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The transition to fully online delivery in the COVID-19 pandemic has added to already existing and significant challenges in subjects and programs that require a component of practicum, on-site experience or hands-on laboratory work. This article presents initial results from a study that responds to challenges arising in moving to a fully online version of an advanced-level computer networking subject within a postgraduate computing degree. Specifically, the study addresses challenges related to a lack of effective teaching approaches combined with a lack of integrated technologies for conducting hands-on laboratory work in online learning environments. The findings presented are from a case study comparison of face-to-face delivery with a newly developed ‘smart learning environment’. Findings indicate that student results and satisfaction levels from the two modes of delivery were comparable. Findings support the purpose-designed instructional strategy, integrated technologies and practical assessments, set within sequenced and scaffolded activities. Further research is being undertaken to confirm the effectiveness of the changes, including case studies of students’ performance data from subsequent offerings of the subject and the inclusion of pre-test post-test protocols and randomised trials.

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Section: Lack Of Integration Of Online Laboratory Sessionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking

Woolcott,

Bui

2023

European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning

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“…These solutions include a VMWare-based laboratory [16], a laboratory using virtual machines in delivering networking, security, and database courses [17], a conceptual framework of a virtual networking laboratory [18], an open source virtualization XEN solution [19], a virtual networking lab (VNL) as a service to partner institutions overseas [20], a VMWare virtualization platform for system administration education [21], a virtualization platform serving multiple courses in networking, system administration and security, using both the open source (OS) virtualization OpenVZ, and full virtualization KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) [22], an integrated physical and virtual networking laboratory using physical Cisco equipment, VMware, and Vyatta as virtual routers [7], a virtual multiple laboratory built on virtualized infrastructures [23], virtualization for an undergraduate computer network course [24,25], and decentralized virtualization for systems administration education [26]. Replacing physical machines with virtual machines is now a common strategy in server upgrades and deployments.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Building an end‐to‐end ISP broadband infrastructure as an advanced networking subject

Miles

Chan

2015

Comp Applic In Engineering

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This paper presents the development of an unsupervised, project-based networking subject at the Bendigo campus of La Trobe University. With a view of producing work-ready IT graduates, the advanced subject requires students to build an end-to-end ADSL broadband infrastructure, commonly used by Internet service providers. Unlike other project-based subjects, the subject content is well structured, with documentation prepared for both students and lecturers. Seven milestones are clearly defined to ensure students make steady progress over the semester. This paper describes the subject delivery method, milestones, and the setup of equipment for experiments. The subject gives students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of how ADSL services are provided. This unsupervised project-based subject is designed to meet the challenge faced by many universities to deliver sustainable, cost effective, and yet high quality subjects for a very small number of students. ß 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:16-26, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary. com/journal/cae;

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“…They can also be useful in creating virtual network labs for online and distant education [10,11,12]. It is, however, important to emphasize here that many of the proposed methodologies target different course audiences with different academic goals.…”

Section: Virtualization and Network Labsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementing Cloud Based Virtual Computer Network Labs for Online Education: Experiences from a Phased Approach

2016

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Abstract-Online instruction rather easily accommodates courses in some fields such as history, sociology, business administration and political sciences. However, it poses significant challenges for courses in technical fields that require hands-on experimentation. Courses in the computer networking area constitute such an example. Given the demand for online courses and the trend for migration to online mode, there is a need to devise strategies that would allow students to conduct computing experiments remotely. Virtualization is a rapidly evolving technology that provides opportunities for online computer education. Through virtualization tools, it is possible to convert brick-and-mortar labs into virtual network labs. Using online virtual network lab tools, students may build, troubleshoot and test networks using their personal computers and, thereby, eliminate the commute to the labs. Cloud technology, another rapidly growing field, can help an organization achieve significant savings in IT services and infrastructure costs, as well as enhance IT support for organizational operations. Confluence of cloud and virtualization technologies present new opportunities for online education. However, there are significant issues to surmount in order to apply these technologies to computing-related courses and in particular to online computer networking courses. This paper presents experiences gained from transforming a traditional computer lab into an online virtual domain at the authors' university. The network lab described in this paper is utilized mostly for graduate computer networking, network security and wireless networking courses. The phased approach depicted in this paper should help academic institutions gain insights into technical and operational challenges in building and operating an online virtual lab.

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Usability of virtual network laboratory in engineering education and computer network course

Cited by 8 publications

References 15 publications

Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking

Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking

Building an end‐to‐end ISP broadband infrastructure as an advanced networking subject

Implementing Cloud Based Virtual Computer Network Labs for Online Education: Experiences from a Phased Approach

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