The "Network for Beginners" site is a site which, as its name indicates, provides a beginner with the general concepts of networking.an excellent overview of the basic concepts, protocols, and terminology used in networking. The site gave several excellent demonstrations and examples to explain such terms as Ethernet LAN's, Internet Protocols, Firewalls, Hubs, Gateways, Modems, Repeaters, and Token Ring LAN's.
Type of Material:
Tutorial/Lecture Use
Recommended Uses:
This site could be used as ancillary material to help with the understanding of these fundamental topics and assigned for further discussions on a discussion board by supplementing his/her lecture or for students to use on their own to reinforce their understanding of the networking material taught within class.
Technical Requirements:
Basic Browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The major learning goal of this site was to explain the basic networking terms used in networking topologies based on Ethernet and Internet protocols through the use of graphics, definitions, and examples.
Target Student Population:
College or High School Students who are in the Computer Networking Curriculum
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
This material would be great to use after an introduction to basic networking terms.There are minimal prerequisites. Maybe previous use of a personal computer and modem.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Excellent use of examples and graphics to explain networking terminology. The site also contains a dictionary for supplementary terms that are used throughout the web page. All the basic topics in Internet protocols and networking topology are introduced.
Concerns:
The site is somewhat dated. For example, the table showing the ethernet media does not include any of the faster standards: 100baseT, 100baseFl, ... It does not discuss some of the newer technologies such as 802.11b (wireless intiatives), DSL and cable modems, and newer faster connection speeds that are available today.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
I believe this to be a very effective site especially for beginners. More advanced students could also use it as a review. In the very first link on the site, the author provides demonstration to the various components driving computer networks in general, and specifically - the Internet. The site gives a step-by-step example of writing an electronic mail message to your uncle, who works on the other side of the world. The site shows graphics to walk your through the protocols of the Internet as well as other networking terminology. A picture really is worth a 1000 words especially when the topic gets technical.
Concerns:
This site should be used for an introduction or review of beginner's topic, not necessarily to advanced explanations of terminology.It is not current and should not be used as a complete knowledge base.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site was instinctive and easy to navigate. The embedded links to the dictionary aid students when do not understand or remember a term in a discussion.
Concerns:
The site did not provide main menu buttons to get back to the first page.
Other Issues and Comments:
Great site to incorporate into your beginner's network materials.
Creative Commons:
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