The development of a protocol simulator for active learning. Issue 2 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pearce, David AJ
• Is Part Of: International journal of electrical engineering education. Volume 53:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Computer simulation -- communication protocols -- active learning; Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; 621.30711
• DOI: 10.1177/0020720915611140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7209

Abstract

The development of a first-year module in communications protocols is described, employing active learning techniques enabled by a new protocol simulator designed for education. The simulator has a simple graphical user interface and is designed for ease of use, rather than speed or flexibility. Protocols can be programmed in a version of C and run from the graphical user interface with no requirement to use an object-oriented programming language or scripting language. The simulator and the active learning approach has proved popular and robust and allows problem-based learning techniques, whereby students invent and test their own protocols, to be used at an early stage in the degree.