Preference of Teaching Tools in Computer Networks: Virtualization, Simulation and Physical Hardware

Learning about computer network requires effective and active learning environment and equipment in order to maximize the student’s learning experience. Teaching computer network course can be assisted using tools apart from delivering only theoretical knowledge. Teaching using tools are normally conducted and run in a laboratory setup instead of a traditional face to face classroom design. Network laboratory design should allow for easy management and flexibility to maximize the learning experience. The three main tools that can assist in teaching computer network classes can be classified as: Virtualization, Simulation and Physical Hardware. This paper focused on the computer network tools based on certain user’s preference to maximize the benefit to the learners. In order to determine the preference, an exercise was executed on a group of students and survey questions are given for data analysis. The analysis is then used to determine the preference of student for studying computer network. This study was conducted to experiment, identify and analyze the type of teaching tool preference by students taking computer network classes at School of Informatics and Applied Mathematics in the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The result of this study is important to know and understand and enhance learning experience of students by knowing the much preferred learning styles tools for computer network in preparation for the next level.