Bringing together a low-cost networking learning environment

There are many challenges typically encountered by a tertiary institution setting up applied networking resources. Such labs are necessary to create industry-ready graduates. Smaller institutes face particular issues where they lose the benefit of economies scale. This is because networking resources usually scale particularly well as the number of users increases. In an earlier paper, the author discusses how the skills and equipment necessary to run a Cisco Network Academy can be used to build an effective Faculty-wide network for teaching and research use, at minimal cost. This paper builds on the first with an emphasis on equipment and personnel experiences. The focus in this paper changes from a 'Learning Network' built on Cisco Network Academy experience, to a wider 'Learning Environment' that is far more than just a computer network. This paper describes a range of elements of the Learning Environment. The political environment is described briefly, then put into context of an overall, 'living' environment of many different aspects, built over the years 2000 to 2011. Initially some relatively static elements of the environment are discussed, including an outline of the political and historical environment. The way in which the School of Information Technology at Whitireia New Zealand adapted to that environment is considered with reference to the physical classroom environment over the years of this study. Technical elements are then described, particularly hardware and networking resources available. People skills are described next - the way the Learning Environment is used by academic staff, and the invaluable technicians employed over the years. There is consideration of a recent, and very exciting, addition to the Environment, then a look at the crystal ball of future directions, and mirror of lessons learned. This paper will contain information useful to anyone managing an applied network lab, or a wider environment for teaching Information Technology (IT) courses.