System configuration and IP networking: a team-based laboratory course

Abstract

The teaching of computer networking and operating systems may be greatly enhanced by the use of supporting laboratory exercises. The authors describe the main points addressed in such exercises, designed for small-group collaboration. A key ingredient is the use of set tasks which, whilst well specified, do not attempt to exhaustively define every possible scenario. Thus student teams are presented with numerous, realistic problem-solving situations during the course of the work, which enhances the learning process and contributes to overall satisfaction with the course.