Development and evaluation of visualization techniques in a computer networking course

The World Wide Web (WWW) provides alternative means for delivery of the courses and services, providing learners with an extraordinary range of options. There are few, if any, studies that have attempted to evaluate the learning achieved through the use of simulated laboratories in virtual environments, perhaps because of the difficulties in designing tight experiments for such studies. The purpose of this study would be to investigate the effectiveness of simulated labs in engineering and present the results. Specifically, this study examines whether computer simulations are as effective as physical laboratory activities in teaching college-level electronics engineering students about the concepts of signal transmission, modulation and demodulation. Two sections of the same college course with a total of 80 subjects participated in this study. After receiving the same lecture at the same time, the subjects in each course were randomly split into two treatment groups. One group completed two laboratory experiments using the computerized simulation program, while the other completed the same two laboratory experiments using the traditional physical laboratory equipments. Upon the completion of the laboratory assignments, the performance instrument was individually administered to each student. The groups were compared on understanding the concepts, remembering the concepts, and displaying a positive attitude toward the treatment tools. Scores on a validated Concepts Test were collected once after the treatment and another time after three weeks of the study. The validated Attitude Survey and qualitative study was administered at the completion of the treatment.