Distance Learning Techniques to Teach IT Courses

By Shakil Akhtar.

Published by The Learner Collection

Format	Price
Article: Print	$US10.00
Article: Electronic	$US5.00

While most modern distance learning techniques such as video/audio conferencing, electronic communication, course online systems and course management systems work well for many courses offered in distance learning format, special techniques are used to teach IT courses that involve higher level of interactivity. The distance learning technologies commonly used nowadays are video/audio conferencing, email, and electronic conferencing. In addition, content management systems such as Webct and blackboard are used as a centralized resource for class contents, students’ assessments, grades and class messages. It is possible to have some level of interactivity using these technologies. However, better interactivity is possible by using animated simulation, flash animation and simulation as applied to teaching courses in programming, networking, security and web design within the field of IT and Computer Science. This paper presents example of animation and simulation techniques used to teach the computer network courses.

Keywords:	Distance Learning, Technology Use, Computer Networks, Simulation, Animation, Problem Solving, Learning Techniques

The International Journal of Learning, Volume 15, Issue 7, pp.167-174. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 995.555KB).

Shakil Akhtar

Professor and Chair, IT Department, Clayton State University, Morrow, Georgia, USA

Dr. Shakil Akhtar is currently a Chair and Professor of IT Department at Clayton State University. Before this, he was a Professor in the College of Information Technology at UAE University from 2002 to 2007. During 2000 to 2002, he was a Performance and Simulation Engineer at Lucent Technologies in Naperville, Illinois, where he was responsible for performance analysis and simulation of telecommunications equipment including third generation mobile systems. His prior work experience includes Computer Science/Engineering Departments at Central Michigan University, University of Toledo, and King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His main research interests are Reliability Modeling, Performance Modeling, CS/IT Education and Simulation of Computer Networks. He has a wide teaching experience that includes undergraduate and graduate courses in Computer Networks, Reliability, Performance Modeling, Simulation, Programming (Java, Visual Basic and C++), Computer Architecture and Digital System Design. He has a Ph.D. from Wayne State University in Computer Engineering, and M.S. and B.S., both in Electrical Engineering, from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and University of Peshawar, respectively.

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