THE EFFECTIVENESS IN USING PACKET TRACER SIMULATION SOFTWARE IN IMPROVING THE SKILLS AMONG COMPUTER SYSTEM AND NETWORKS PROGRAMME STUDENTS

Abstract

Abstract
Simulation is an abstract description of a situation or the actual situation with the help of visual technology to solve a problem or issue. Research was being done from the teaching and learning (PdP) sessions in Computer Systems and Networks Programme at Jasin Community College, Selandar Community College and Masjid Tanah Community College focuses on Network Administration course. According to the syllabus, students need to generate network design plan using a proper software identified by their lecturer. Lecturers at Jasin Community College, Selandar Community College and Masjid Tanah Community College chose to use Packet Tracer version 7.0 simulation software in the classroom, where students are not only able to produce a visual sketch plan network design in detail according to the network connection as in true event but students can also insert network hardware such as computers, switches and routers in the design plan and perform computer configuration using Command Line Interface (CLI). The purpose of this survey is to examine the effectiveness in using Packet Tracer simulation software version 7.0 in improving the skills of students in teaching and learning (PdP) sessions. The sample consisted of fourty students from 3rd semester Computer Systems and Networking Programme. The results were obtained using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the respondents agree that the use of Packet Tracer software version 7.0 helps improve students' skills in the process of teaching and learning (PdP) for Network Administration course focuses Community College in Melaka.