1. Delivering Distance Learning Experiments in Local Area Networking
Presented to the Research Methods in Computer Science Class (CS 698)
October 31, 2000 By
Gary Steffen
IPFW
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2. Outline Problem Description Current Limitations
Examples of Current Implementations
Current Research in this Area
Research Objective
Design
VMware
Analysis
Timeline
Resources
Deliverables
Future Areas of Research
Questions
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3. Problem Description
Non-traditional distance learning, such as the internet and televised courses, has brought to the forefront the need for off campus-based local area networking (LAN) experiments. Needed is a process of delivering the same laboratory learning experience on limited off campus computer resources.
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4. LAN Experiment Limitations of Distance Learning Students
Limited/Unavailable access to campus equipment
Need for multiple computers
Need for data communication equipment
Need for dedicated equipment
Need for multiple client-server operating systems
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5. LAB 1: Setup Peer-to-Peer Network
Equipment
2 computers
communications equipment
Objective
learn how to setup a simple peer-to-peer network
practice access control on shared resources
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6. Lab 2: Microsoft NT Server Installation
Equipment
2 computers
communications equipment
Objective
Complete a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) installation
Compete a Backup Domain Controller (BDC) installation
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7. LAB 3: Setup Client/Server Network Environment for NT
Equipment
3 computers
communication equipment
Objective
learn how to setup a client/server network environment
create user accounts and global/local groups
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8. Lab 4: Setup NT Domain Trusts
Equipment
4 computers
communication equipment
Objective
Understand how to create multiple trust between domains
Establish user accounts to access trusted domains
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9. LAB 5: Setup Internet Information Exchange Server (IIS)
Equipment
2 computers
communication equipment
Objective
Setup the Microsoft Internet information exchange server as a intranet web server
Develop simple HTML Web pages
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10. LAB 6: Setup Client/Server Network Environment for Linux/Samba
Equipment
3 computers
communications equipment
Objective
learn how to setup a client/server network environment
create user accounts and global/local groups
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11. Final Course Project Equipment Objective 2-6 computers
communications equipment
Objective
Student proposes a LAN based project implementing advanced course topics
possible other client-server based operating systems
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12. Current Research in this Area
Yang, Biwu (1999) “Virtual Lab”: Bring the Hands-on Activity to Online Courses. ASEE Annual Proceedings
students use pcAnywhere for remote work
students are limited to scheduled work times
Students must correct all changes and can’t do installation
Hsu, Sam (1999) Virtual Education: Reality or Virtuality? Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (10th)
“While simulation packages contribute significantly to distance education, they can never replace the need for genuine remote experiments where students are able to construct their own knowledge”
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13. Research Objective
Distance learning students should achieve the same learning experience as traditional on campus students in local area networking experiments while needing only a single computer system.
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14. Research Design
Develop a method through the use of virtual computing to complete LAN experiments on a single computer
The use of a current virtual computer environment such as VMware could be used.
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15. VMware for Virtual Computing
VMware, Inc “Virtual Machine”ware
VMware delivers a flexible and safe computing environment by providing multiple virtual computers on a single PC.
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16. VMware VMware gives you a fully functional PC in a window
Run multiple OS sessions at the same time
No need to reboot, dual-boot, or repartition
VMware is an application
A virtual machine is equivalent to a fully functional PC
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17. VMware
Each virtual machine has its own host name, IP address, and file system
Virtual machines look like any other PC on the network
Share files just like regular networked PCs
An operating system is installed into each virtual machine
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18. Analysis
Distance learning students must complete the experiments with only one computer
The ability for distance learning students to complete the same experiments as on-campus students
Completing the experiments in the same allotted amount of time.
Having similar success rates for the experiments.
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19. Project Timeline 10/31/2000 Research Presentation
12/5/2000 Research Proposal Completion
1/15/2001 Secure Needed Resources
2/19/2001 Experiment List Completion
4/16/2001 VMWARE Experiments Completion
5/21/2001 Summer I Student Testing Phase
8/20/2001 Fall Course Implementation
11/2001 Abstract Submission for ASEE Annual Meeting
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20. Needed Project Resources
Hardware:
Pentium III Class Computer
Inkjet Printer
Software:
VMware
Windows 2000 / Windows 2000 Server*
Windows NT Server*
Windows 98*
Redhat Linux 7.0 with Samba (free)
Facilities:
Additional Ethernet drop to current office location * Software currently covered under the Purdue Microsoft Site License
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21. Project Deliverables
A method for distance learning students to complete all experiments for the local area networking course on one computer system
Published Paper for the 2001 American Society of Engineering Educators (ASEE) Annual Conference
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22. Future Research Areas
Research concepts in the study of Wide Area Networks (WAN) in distances learning
Research concepts in the study of Internet and Network Security in distances learning
Research the implementation concept in on-campus laboratories to save resources.
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23. Conclusion
Distance learning students will no longer have miss out on the experience of hands-on laboratories for Local Area Networks. Through the use of virtual machines it will be possible to eliminate the cost and complexity of off-campus experiments.
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24. Thank You. Steffen@ipfw.edu
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