Teach network class over Internet using browser-based technologies

The author has developed a data communications and communication networks class for online offering over the Internet. The password protected class Web site contains all the teaching materials including the syllabus, assignments, simulation software, multimedia documents and Powerpoint lecture notes. The instructor led the class discussions with the students and answered their questions on the Internet either asynchronously through the bulletin board, email, file transfer, remote login and HTML/CGI forms; or synchronously through the chat rooms using multimedia software tools with a video camera. Students have had a flexible learning environment with a browser-based interface. The author believes that this course has provided both the instructor and students a much-needed platform to study and explore the pedagogy of the online teaching on the Internet.