Developing a virtual laboratory for a communication and computer networking course. (24th November 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Musa, Ahmed; Al-Dmour, Ayman; Fraij, Fares; Gonzalez, Virgilio; Al-Hashemi, Rafeeq
• Is Part Of: International journal of continuing engineering education and lifelong learning. Volume 20:Number 3-5(2010)
• Page Start: 390
• Page End: 406
• Publication Date: 2010-11-24
• Subjects: computer-aided instruction -- educational technology -- computer modelling -- simulation -- virtual laboratories -- online laboratories -- internet -- world wide web -- communication courses -- computer networking -- financial challenges -- building maintenance -- physical laboratories -- upgrading -- ICT -- information technology -- communications technology -- universities -- higher education -- theoretical issues -- component-based approaches -- integration -- MATLAB -- SIMULINK -- VPI -- OPNET -- matrix laboratory -- graphical user interfaces -- experiments -- navigation -- curricula -- student feedback -- student satisfaction -- University of Texas -- El Paso -- UTEP -- United States -- USA -- Al-Hussein Bin Talal University -- Jordan -- continuing education -- engineering education -- life-long learning -- electronic competence -- e-competence -- lecturers -- academic staff; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.00715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1560-4624

Abstract

Educational institutions face financial challenges in maintaining and upgrading traditional physical laboratories. Moreover, university students have challenges in understanding the theoretical issues involved in communication and networking courses. This paper presents a new computer-aided laboratory to help the students to enhance the practical view of communication and networking systems using computer modelling and simulation and to replace a physical laboratory. The new laboratory was build using a component-based approach that integrates modelling and simulation tools, namely MATLAB, SIMULINK, VPI and OPNET. These components were integrated through the development of graphical user interface. Through this interface, the student navigates through experiments of the laboratory. The new laboratory curricula and interface were tested on students and their feedback showed that the students were satisfied. The students gave comments and suggestions for future improvements.