Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 2632

A DO and Understand Approach to a Networking Course

Domingo Molina III The University of Texas at Brownsville

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the nuts and bolts of how a senior level computer science networking course is being successfully taught to students without requiring them to have any prior experience in networking. Because of the nature of indigenous industry, a pure theoretical approach to learning networking is inadequate to prepare the students for the job market. Just as lab work supports other computer science courses, the networking course requires the students to complete rigorous lab sessions leading to thorough understanding of the seven layers of ISO OSI model. Throughout the lab assignments, which include several network installations, the students are shown practically how the theoretical principles learned in class apply to networking in the real world.

The lab assignments start with a simple examination of a network and its physical and logical topology. Students are exposed to the practical aspects of networking such as splicing cables, installing cable connectors, installing network interface boards, configuring drives, configuring a network in different topologies, selecting and configuring network hardware, and optimizing the overall network setup. After learning how to setup a network, students learn to install a network operating system, setup user accounts, provide access to different software packages, provide security, perform other administrative tasks, and troubleshoot the network at the hardware and software levels. Because of rigorous hands-on experience, students become extremely proficient in applied networking and obtain a deep understanding of the related theoretical aspects.

This paper begins by presenting the need and feasibility for offering such a networking course using a novel approach. It then details the contents of practical lab sessions that introduce students to the theoretical principles of networking. Finally, it presents the spinoffs of the course, such as earning certification as a Certified NetWare Engineer or Certified NetWare Administrator.

1

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Molina, D. (1997, June), A Do And Understand Approach To A Networking Course Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6521