Learning Resources

Lesson 1: Computer Networks Explained

Event	Instructional Strategy	Teacher or Student	Media Selection
Gain Attention	Pull network cable out from back of computer and ask class if they know what purpose it serves.		Physical computer and cable utilized to help gain interest as well as give students something tangeable to relate to as the lesson begins.
Objective	Explain communication between client and server.	Teacher: Explain that what makes client/server work is the network and that this lesson will cover how machines are connected to each other and communicate.
Prerequisite	Differentiate between a client (desktop) and server (mainframe) computer.
Content	Pass around a network cable and discuss how physical signals traverse the cable and how the computers read the signals. Show illustrations of various network configurations in varying complexity. Introduce the concept of communication between connected machines and the communcation protocols that make it possible. Demonstrate actual connectivity using in-class computer. Explain how the server and client components of organization's application are configured and communicates.	Teacher presents content via handouts of network topographies and demonstrations on in-class computer equipment. Whiteboard is utilized to further illustrate points.	Network topographies introduce students to standard ways of representing networks on paper. Whiteboard allows drawing pieces of network components at a time in order to emphasize certain points about network designs. Classroom delivery provides opportunity students at various knowledge levels to interact with facilitator as well as peers and stimulate discussions amongst the group.
Guided Practice	Review network topography to be sure students accurately identify components of a network.	Interactively draw example network topography diagram on whiteboard while soliciting student input.
Independent Practice	Practice identifying unmarked components on a network topography diagram.	Teacher: Provide unlabeled diagrams of network topography and ask students to fill in blanks.
Feedback	Review each diagram with class as whole.	Students: Collectively correct any wrong info on diagrams presented.
Assessment	Teacher: Judges objective achievement from results of Independent Practice and Feedback sessions	Teacher: Provide additional feedback on problem areas. Students: Q&A
Closure	Wrap up session noting that networking lays ground-work for discussing client/server architecture for next lesson.	Teacher: Inform students that they can stop by with any questions about today's lesson.

Media Selection

The choices of media for this set of lesson plans was made based on time-contraints and budgetary considerations. All medium employed is readily available and quickly implemented and adequately stimulates the learner through audio, visual, and kinesthetic aspects.

Medium Rationale
Classroom Setting Supports discussion amongst peers and sharing of different viewpoints.
Network Topographies Standard symbolic diagrams representing networks conceptually. Provides abstraction of a complex system of interconnected machines in a format students can quickly grasp.
Whiteboard Allows facilitator to interact with students with visual impact on key points.
Performance Bottleneck Mockups Provides realistic application of new knowledge towards problems encountered with existing system.
In-Classroom Computer Connected to Network Physical aspects of the computer can be utilized in demonstrating physically connecting computer to network as well as later used to demonstrate components of existing application, thus relating the abstract to something concrete.

Medium	Rationale
Classroom Setting	Supports discussion amongst peers and sharing of different viewpoints.
Network Topographies	Standard symbolic diagrams representing networks conceptually. Provides abstraction of a complex system of interconnected machines in a format students can quickly grasp.
Whiteboard	Allows facilitator to interact with students with visual impact on key points.
Performance Bottleneck Mockups	Provides realistic application of new knowledge towards problems encountered with existing system.
In-Classroom Computer Connected to Network	Physical aspects of the computer can be utilized in demonstrating physically connecting computer to network as well as later used to demonstrate components of existing application, thus relating the abstract to something concrete.

Learner's Guide

Introduction	1
Student's Notes	2
How to Use This Guide	4
Overall Course Objectives and Instructional Goals	5
Course Schedule	6
Preparation	7
Lesson 1: Computer Networks Explained	9
Lesson 2: Intro to Client/Server Architecture	11
Lesson 3: Six Performance Tuning Scenarios	13
Glossary	15
Appendix	18

Facilitator's Guide

Introduction	1
Instructor's Notes	2
Presentation Method	4
Materials Needed	5
Target Audience & Instructional Goals	6
Course Schedule	7
Preparation	8
Lesson 1: Computer Networks Explained	9
Lesson 2: Intro to Client/Server Architecture	11
Lesson 3: Six Performance Tuning Scenarios	13
Appendix: Handouts	15

Pilot Test Plan

Participants	Four participants with daily exposure to the organzation's client/server application (UVIS) will participate in the pilot test. This number is based on the average number of participants for the regular classroom setting.
Prerequisites	The participants will be expected to have daily interactions with computers and the organization's client/server application (UVIS). Students will also be expected to have a rudimentary grasp of the concept of computer networks and database systems in general. Students should read the Introductory materials and Glossary of the Learner's Guide prior to class.
Location, Date, Time	The Pilot test will be conducted in the Large Animal Conference room located near the front desk reception area for large animals in the hospital wing of the vet college at UGA. The initial training will take place Oct. 8, 2003 from 8:00 A.M. to Noon. A review session will take place Oct. 10, 2003 at 8:00 A.M..
Instructional Environment	The Large Animal Conference room contains a networked desktop machine fully configured to access the network and the organization's client/server application (UVIS). This conference room provides adequate space for all participants. Also present in the conference room is a whiteboard and overhead projector for the computer.
Facilitator Qualifications	Facilitator must possess the following qualifications: Experience with software application design methodologies. Knowledge of computer networks on physical and abstract level. Knowledge of client/server architectures. Experience with Oracle database management systems and skills in doing performance analysis and tuning of Oracle databases and applications. Understanding of architecture of the organization's current client/server application.
Evaluation Plan	The facilitator will conduct the pilot test plan while the subject matter experts observe and makes notes of student questions and problem areas in material presented. Students will be surveyed at the end of each lesson to get their feedback on the material presented for the lesson.
Pilot Team Description	The evaluation team includes the following: The facilitator to lead the pilot test. Two UVIS subject matter experts

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