The Effect of Computer Network Simulators on Students’ Motivation and Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore students’ attitude, motivation and learning in introductory networking courses where a simulator was utilized for doing practice on the content. Basic qualitative research method was utilized to seek answers to the research question. Data was collected by individual interviews, conducted to 12 undergraduate and 5 graduate students. The interview data was transcribed and analyzed trough content analysis to find out the themes and categories. Analysis of data culminated five main themes with categories. Two of the five themes were related to student attitudes; (1) goal setting theme with information age qualities, professional development and problem solving skills categories, (2) learner internal factors, with curiosity and interest categories. Other two themes were related to student motivation; (3) Self-confidence, with visuality and manuals categories and (4) locus of control, with chance to practice and trial and error categories. The last theme was related to learning; (5) deep understanding with providing concreteness, learning by applying and visuality categories.

Keywords

• simulation
• network simulators
• motivation
• attitude
• learning
• computer networks