Development of a practical computer network course through netkit virtualization tool

Abstract

Virtualization tools have been used in computer network classes to provide a environment for practice experiments. Although some papers describe these tools and their technical benefits, they do not provide quantitative information about its effectiveness. This paper presents a proposal for systematic use of this category of tools in computer classes and a evaluation of use Netkit tool in computer network classes. It will be shown how tutorial sections has been developed to these courses, the receptivity from the students through surveys and a statistical analysis of how much students grades can be improved by applying such tutorials. Finally, it will be possible to conclude that, in fact, the use of such tools is strongly advised. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.