DOI
10.1007/s10956-009-9192-0

Summary
This study is concerned with design patterns for learning and assessment for science and engineering students and ‘facilitating the introduction of a complex simulation-based learning environment into a community of instructors’. Frezzo et al. assess the challenges associated with simulation learning environments in the context of Cisco Networking Academy Program (CNAP) with a computer based tool called Packet Tracer.

The Cisco networking academy program is a culmination of over 8000 schools in 165 countries. It delivers free online curricular and assessment tools for basic and advanced computer networking skills. The authors describe the instructional context and the core features of the software. Packet tracer delivers a wide range of data that enables practice in the activities of network design, configuration and troubleshooting. It also presents opportunities to represent illustrative and explanatory data for the inner components of the complex system. Frezzo et al describe the various levels at which the program applies to the students experience. Including:

Create a world that has verisimilitude to real world key areas
Support understanding, exploration and manipulation of the real world
Support re-use, portability contextualisation and use for explanation
Support scenarios extended to assessment scoring and feedback
Support pattern-based re-use and flexibility.

The authors represent the software program in action in figures 2-6.

Through levels 1-5, the applicability to complex systems mapping is described in the context of  IT networking and skills.

 

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This study presents the potential for furthering of teaching and learning activities on complex systems by providing explanation on Packet Tracer software. The topic this study falls under is community development, however, it does not deal with ‘community’ by definition but rather a ‘community of instructors’. Packet Tracer is described as being a ‘network simulation software’. The description process of the Packet Tracer system in this study is heavily contextualised with its use in the CNAP. The CNAP is concerned with IT networking and skill development, making some of the jargon irrelevant to complex systems in the context sustainable development.

The patterns associated with the activities enabled by the software help development teams to communicate different goals more effectively as well as open conversations about the various patterns occurring.

Point of Strength
This paper describes the usefulness of Packet Tracer software for the representation of complex systems and patterns as they change and affect one another. Although this paper is directly contextualised with CNAP and the IT networking and skills field of study, it presents a possible opportunity for the software to be replicated in the same fashion as done here for a sustainable development learning activity.

The paper provides a roadmap for use and the benefits that go with it.