Computer Networking: Curriculum Designs and Educational Challenges Workshop; August 20, 2002; Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

The ACM Special Interest Group in Data Communications (SIGCOMM) will sponsor a one-day workshop on "Computer Networking: Curriculum Designs and Educational Challenges," August 20, 2002, preceding the annual ACM Sigcomm 2002 conference in Pittsburgh, PA. The goal of the workshop is to bring together faculty from a broad spectrum of academic institutions, industry engineers and scientists, and others with an interest in education to discuss curriculum design and teaching practices in the field of computer networks. The workshop will focus on (i) the development of model curricula for a first (undergraduate) course in networking, (ii) the evolution of graduate-level curricula in the area, and (iii) developing "hands-on" laboratory-based courses at the undergraduate/graduate level. The workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss these and other related issues; to share viewpoints, experiences, and materials; and to learn what others are doing, and considering doing in the area. The workshop will produce a report detailing the attendees'discussions and will serve as a springboard for future activity in the area. This proposal requests funding to assist up to 20 United States-based faculty members to attend and participate in this workshop. The awards will be primarily targeted at faculty from 4-year colleges and universities who would not otherwise have the funds to attend the workshop or ACM SIGCOMM 2002. Particularly there is an interest in drawing faculty from 4-year college to the workshop. Given that the workshop is targeted broadly at all faculty in the computer networking area (not just those with the research funds to attend SIGCOMM), the grant will help broaden the base of participants, and serve to make the workshop a truly community-wide event.