Solving Problems in a Physical Laboratory for Computer Networks and Data Security: a conceptual frameworkwith students’ experiences

Professional engineering practice requires engineers capable for solving real problems, putting problem solving skills in thefocus of contemporary engineering education. Identification, systematization, evaluation and reuse of students’experiences in problem solving are necessary for assessing and improving educational processes. Due to the highimportance of computer networks and data security for contemporary business, practical experience in physicallaboratories is essential for educating engineers for challenges in engineering workplaces. This article presents a studyaimed at exploring students’ problem solving experiences in a physical laboratory for computer networks and datasecurity. The study is based on qualitative research methods, resulting in a conceptual framework that describes students’problem solving experiences. The framework presents identified types of problems and effects of problems solving forstudents. The problem types relate to the complexity of scenarios prepared for the laboratory, setting up and configuringlaboratory equipment, and configuring and usinga variety of software tools. Effects of problem solvingrelate to learningtouse different sources of information, learning through joint work and sharing experiences, learning from more experiencedcolleagues and learning skills that exceed the learning goals. Benefits, implications and outcomes of the research forstudents, lecturers and researchers are discussed, together with the limitations and further research directions.