Packet Tracer + Instructors

Packet Tracer is a simulation, visualization, collaboration, and assessment tool for teaching networking.

It allows students to construct their own model or virtual networks, obtain access to important graphical representations of those networks, animate those networks by adding their own data packets, ask questions about those networks, and finally annotate and save their creations.

Packet Tracer is based on three learning principles

Learning is active icon
Learning is active
Learning is social icon
Learning is social
Learning is contextual icon
Learning is contextual

It is meant to facilitate the creation of engaging, collaborative, and localized instructional materials.

Four problem types supported by Packet Tracer:

  1. Concept-builders: model-building inquiries leading to student-created explications and animations of networking concepts
  2. Skill-builders: algorithmic problem solving in support of the development of networking procedural knowledge
  3. Design challenges: constraint-based problems with multiple correct solutions
  4. Troubleshooting challenges: diagnosing, isolating, and fixing the simulated network from a previously bugged network file

Packet Tracer can be used in a variety of ways:

  • Group work
  • Class work, Homework, and Distance Learning
  • Formative assessment
  • Hands-on lab reinforcement
  • Lecture demonstrations
  • Modeling and visualization of networking device algorithms and networking protocols
  • Case studies
  • Multi-user cooperative and competitive activities
  • Competitions
  • Problem-solving activities in concept-building, skill-building, design, and troubleshooting

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