Does a virtual networking laboratory result in similar student achievement and satisfaction?

ABSTRACT

Delivery of content in networking and system administration curricula involves significant hands-on laboratory experience supplementing traditional classroom instruction at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Providing the resources necessary in the traditional physical laboratory setting is challenged by increasing budgetary and space constraints. Delivery of laboratory instruction in a distance virtual format is a potential cost-effective solution to the problem, at the same time it presents technical challenges 3, 5. The blend of face-to-face and online instruction offers the opportunity not only to solve the resource issue, but also to sustain contact beyond the borders of the classroom and extend the learning environment. This paper presents the results of an action research study conducted to investigate the impact on student achievement and student satisfaction of delivering laboratory instruction in a distance delivered virtual laboratory, and discusses some of the challenges encountered in offering this virtual experience.

REFERENCES

• 1: Clay, M. (1999). Development of training and support programs for distance education instructors. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 2(3).
• 2: Donnelly, R., O'Brien, F. (2003, November). Towards the promotion of effective practice for academic staff development in DIT. Level 3. Retrieved February 15, from http://level3.dit.ie/html/issue1_donnelly_obrien1.html.
• 3: Bruce Kneale , Ain Y. De Horta , Ilona Box, Velnet: virtual environment for learning networking, Proceedings of the sixth conference on Australasian computing education, p.161-168, January 01, 2004, Dunedin, New Zealand
• 4: Kosak, L., Manning, D., Dobson, E., Rogerson, L., Cotnam, S., Colaric, S., & McFadden, C. (2004). Prepared to teach online? Perspectives of faculty in the University of North Carolina system. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 7(3).
• 5: Sung Yoo , Scott Hovis, Remote access internetworking laboratory, Proceedings of the 35th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, March 03-07, 2004, Norfolk, Virginia, USA

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.1 Computer Uses in Education
          Subjects: Distance learning

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Management

Keywords:
action research, distance learning, online learning, virtual laboratory, virtual network