Technology Lesson Demonstration

Using Cisco Packet Tracer

I used Cisco Packet Tracer and Netacad as tools, as being in the military we use these tools a lot as an instructor. At first, I was a bit concerned about the use of the tool until I learned the flexibility and customizability of the program to create lessons from scratch in order to stress-test the students to verify their knowledge. The technology’s contributions to the lesson were great due to the fact you could go into a simulated network and make it work. On top of that, the multi-user environment of Cisco Packet Tracer would allow me to build on top of the lesson into collaborative activities. It is beneficial to student learning, especially in places that cannot afford equipment labs as this is fairly close to what we actually do as network technicians in the fleet, and as networkers in school.

I could easily differentiate the plan by having several packet tracer activities based on student knowledge level and motivation to learn. The packet tracer file used was for our schoolhouse, a standard commercial CCNA1 Lesson file. With the fact the instructors can make a wide variety of lessons with it, it can also be used to help students not ready to enter a physical lab and work on expensive equipment. I can use other programs, such as Microsoft Visio to help differentiate the lesson by having people do network designs on Visio and then build using Packet Tracer as well. Honestly, the possibilities are endless with Packet Tracer and Cisco Skills for All/Netacad tools.