Development of a self-study and testing function for NetPowerLab, an IP networking practice system

摘要

It is important for beginning network engineering students to frequently practice setting up fundamental IP networks according to predetermined procedures. To provide an IP network learning environment, we have been developing NetPowerLab, a hands-on IP network practice system that uses virtual machines. Here, we report the development of a self-study support function consisting of three tools: practice problem making, automatic scoring, and learning activity management. Teachers can create practice problems using the practice problem making tool. The automatic scoring tool compares the configuration files created by students with those created by teachers. This tool displays results as a percentage of correct answer and provides details about incorrect items. The learning activity management tool allows students to review their learning activities and enables teachers to assess student learning activities. The self-study support function allows students to engage self-guided training and testing. The proposed system was evaluated experimentally in a classroom environment. The practice problem making tool was also evaluated by teachers. The results indicate that the self-study support function performed sufficiently.