Building Interactive multi-user in-class learning modules for computer networking

Abstract—The new multiuser capability in Cisco Packet Tracer tool has provided great potential for developing interactive multiuser activities that can be completed by Cisco Academy students in the classroom. This approach will not only greatly enhance students ’ interest in the technical topics, but will also allow the instructor to create group activities where student progress can be monitored and tracked easily on the instructor side. In this research we focus on primary design principles for creating such interactive activities. We present a general architecture for a library of interactive modules we developed for CCNA exploration 1-4 topics. We provide solutions for a number of technical problems that must be resolved for multiuser access, such as scalable addressing, VLAN handling, individual student monitoring, and offline exporting. We also provide testing results to evaluate the performance of packet trace in an interactive multiuser environment. Keywords-component; blended learning; packet tracer; multiuser; simulation; teaching; ccna; cisco; networking; academy