ISCAP Proceedings: Abstract Presentation
How to Engage Students in Computer Networking and Data Communications
Amy Connolly
James Madison University
Elizabeth Baker
Virginia Commonwealth University
Abstract
Without an introduction to computer networking, students cannot readily understand how hot topics such as information security and cyber security work within a modern network. Anecdotally, but based on decades of teaching the introduction to computer networking course, we find that students struggle to engage with material such as the TCP/IP stack, IP addresses, subnetting, and network cards. Students have often never seen an Ethernet cable, much less made one. In the past, students have described the material in the intro to computer networking course as “dry, boring, and uninteresting” versus topics like hacking, pen-testing, and social engineering. Students don’t readily recognize the central importance of the content, and seemingly, neither do IS curricula (some of our colleagues don’t favor teaching this course). In this presentation, seasoned IS educators will identify ways they make the intro to computer networking course more engaging and relevant for students, such as by connecting it with ethical issues like digital divide, as well as how to make the abstract feel real to students with little background in engineering or computer science fundamentals. This presentation will interest anyone who currently teaches or has an interest in teaching the intro to computer networking course (sometimes known as “Telecommunications” or “Data Communications”). We will provide a ready-made list of ideas for hands-on labs and resources to get started teaching this vital course.