TY - GEN
T1 - A Comparative Study of Simulated and Hands-on Experiments in Teaching Computer Networks Laboratory Course
AU - Kizilirmak, Refik Caglar
AU - Kassayev, Abylaikhan
AU - Ukaegbu, Ikechi A.
N1 - Funding Information:
This work was supported by Scientific and Technical Projects (AP14871109), funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nazarbayev University (grant no. 11022021CRP1507, 021220FD0451)
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 IEEE.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - This paper examines the preferences of undergraduate students for two distinct laboratory formats in a computer networks course. The laboratory activities require students to construct various network scenarios to develop their abilities in designing, developing, and assessing computer networks. In each assignment, students construct and evaluate a specific network scenario using a simulation tool, Cisco Packet Tracer, followed by physically executing the same work with network equipment such as PCs, switches, and routers. Through a survey, this study evaluates the students' learning experiences and preferences for the two lab formats. The results indicate that computer simulations are as effective as hands-on work in comprehending the concepts taught in the course. Additionally, the students expressed no particular preference between the two lab formats and found that the formats complemented each other.
AB - This paper examines the preferences of undergraduate students for two distinct laboratory formats in a computer networks course. The laboratory activities require students to construct various network scenarios to develop their abilities in designing, developing, and assessing computer networks. In each assignment, students construct and evaluate a specific network scenario using a simulation tool, Cisco Packet Tracer, followed by physically executing the same work with network equipment such as PCs, switches, and routers. Through a survey, this study evaluates the students' learning experiences and preferences for the two lab formats. The results indicate that computer simulations are as effective as hands-on work in comprehending the concepts taught in the course. Additionally, the students expressed no particular preference between the two lab formats and found that the formats complemented each other.
KW - Computer networking laboratory course
KW - student experiments
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U2 - 10.1109/EDUCON54358.2023.10125188
DO - 10.1109/EDUCON54358.2023.10125188
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:85162721010
T3 - IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON
BT - EDUCON 2023 - IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, Proceedings
PB - IEEE Computer Society
T2 - 14th IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON 2023
Y2 - 1 May 2023 through 4 May 2023
ER -