Abstract
The Computer Networking course commonly taught in mixed mode involving lecture and practical session whereas beside face-to-face theory session, students need to experience hands-on activities in order to appreciate the technology and contents. Nevertheless the abstraction in Computer Networking course such as the complexity in TCP/IP network layering, the connection and configuration of client and server’s framework, differences in static and dynamic IP address configuration had imposed a great challenge for students to understand and grab the main concept of computer networking technology. As such, an approach of using computer network simulation and visualization tool in teaching and learning Computer Networking course is seen beneficial for educators and students. In this research, computer network simulation software of CISCO Packet Tracer was utilized in Computer Networking (MTN3023) course. Students (N=55) were exposed to CISCO Packet Tracer on which they developed Wide Area Network (WAN) that consists of configuration activities of Personal Computer (PC), Servers and Switches according to CISCO standard. Subsequently, student’s feedback and their insight on the effectiveness of CISCO packet Tracer in learning computer networking were probed using questionnaire. All the feedbacks were investigating statistically using SPSS 16.0. From the analysis, the descriptive results shown that all students were agreed (N=32 : Strongly Agree; N=23 : Agree) that CISCO Packet Tracer had successfully help them to understand several key concepts of computer networking and at the same quash some abstractions they faced in the course. In a nutshell, CISCO Packet Tracer as a simulation and visualization tool had been proven to be an effective software in supporting the teaching and learning of computer networking course.
Highlights
On the basis of the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 - 2020), the Malaysian Public Sectors ICT Strategic Planning had drawn Infinite Computer Network connections as vital infrastructure and framework to help drive the nation economies in achieving its sustainability (MAMPU, 2016)
The Computer Networking subject commonly taught in mixed mode involving lecture and practical session whereas beside face-to-face theory session, students need to experience hands-on activities in order to appreciate the technology and contents (The Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula, (ACM), & Society, 2013)
The research given a good direction in accessing the effectiveness of Cisco Packet Tracer utilization in Computer Networking subject
Summary
On the basis of the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 - 2020), the Malaysian Public Sectors ICT Strategic Planning had drawn Infinite Computer Network connections as vital infrastructure and framework to help drive the nation economies in achieving its sustainability (MAMPU, 2016). The significant and relevancy of Computer Networking based subject in Malaysia Higher Education setting is ever-essential as it. The quality of teaching and learning of Computer Network subject in higher education is prominent as to nurture graduates who are subject-matter competent and qualified especially when corresponded to the industrial standard. The Computer Networking subject commonly taught in mixed mode involving lecture and practical session whereas beside face-to-face theory session, students need to experience hands-on activities in order to appreciate the technology and contents (The Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula, (ACM), & Society, 2013). As a result the TCP/IP network protocols and services are forming the core content of the subject. In a TCP/IP network the abstraction of interconnecting layers are eminent especially on the protocols, services and activities among the layers. In this research, the network simulator is used to assist students in learning computer networking and by that enabling them to comprehend the subject easier
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