An instructional design of open source networking laboratory and curriculum

ABSTRACT

Computer Networking is one of the most challenging subjects to learn and to teach in an efficient way. On one hand, students may find the topic too technical and dry when presented. On the other hand, most IT instructors still primarily use lectures as the exclusive means to teach. As stated in SIGITE Computing Curricula, it is strongly recommended to incorporate hands-on lab components into teaching as they help students apply the theory to solve real-world problems. In this paper, we designed and implemented open source lab and curriculum that cover a set of learning outcomes recommended by SIGITE IT computing curricula. The design is guided by one of most commonly used instructional design models - Dick and Carey model. This research is aimed at producing students that can configure, maintain and troubleshoot the network from a "hands-on" perspective. In addition, the labs developed in this research, which map the SIGITE IT model curricula, will be helpful in the efforts to pursue ABET accreditation

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education; Accreditation; Information systems education

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Performance

Keywords:
curriculum, laboratory, network