Abstract:

Network Design, Testing and Implementation (NDTI), a compulsory year 2 module, is offered to the Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and Diploma in Networking and Security (DNS) programmes at the School of Computing and Engineering in INTI College Subang, Malaysia. Few of the learning outcomes that are used to engage students for problem based learning (PBL) are: (1) design a network based on an organization’s requirements (2) describe network topologies and addressing (3) characterize network traffic and (4) produce complete network design documentation for the client. A total of 17 students enrolled in NDTI for January 2010 session and they are divided into 4 groups to participate in problem based assignments and problem based tutorial. In addition to the problem solving skills, they are also exposed to other skills such as communication, presentation, interview and report writing. Online tool (intionline) is provided to students to access for assignments specification and other useful links to their overall learning. Through PBL, students were able to connect the real-world issues especially on topics such as private and public IP address, proxy and gateway, firewall and security policies, network performance and upgrading, and producing good network design documentation. It is identified through students’ positive feedback that PBL has helped them to increase their learning and knowledge.

Keywords:

Problem based learning, PBL scenario, Network Design and Implementation, Project based Learning.