Frantisek Jakab

Visual Learning Tools for Teaching/Learning Computer Networks: Cisco Networking Academy and Packet Tracer

Teaching and learning more abstract subjects, such as computer networks, where higher level of student’s imagination is necessary to understand advanced topics can be positively supported trough a technique called visual learning. Students can more easily understand and adapt the information from the subject, when they can visually see how it really works. Teachers can present the subject using animations and practical examples, rather than just talking about theory facts. This paper presents the features of a visual learning tool called Packet Tracer – a computer networks simulator, which is freely available for all Cisco Networking Academy students.

Computer vision based object recognition principles in education

This article describes the simple step by step system, to teach object recognition and tracking in computer vision systems. Methodology is based on object recognition system complexity incrementation. Student doesnt need any knowledge about mathematical principles of computer based object detection. This is achieved using OpenCV and other high level libraries. Article consists from explanation of simple detection methods based on OpenCv, to complex pattern-based detection methods provided by OpenTLD libraries. All library recognition methods are explained in C/C++ language and results are illustrated as graphical output images.

Virtual Lab in a Distributed International Environment - SVC EDINET

The paper deals with the remote laboratory Virtual Lab solution developed at the Computer Network Laboratory (Technical university of Košice). The aim of the project is to design and implement an e-learning environment, which provides remote access to specified laboratory network devices. This project will be used in the educational process. Using this tool, the students can access and configure network devices like routers and switches remotely from any place via Internet. VirtualLab consists of a hardware and a software part. The hardware part contains a group of server machines, network devices and two special devices called TO108 and PO108. The software part consists of four parts - communication client, central communication server, local communication server, information system). The paper was particularly prepared within the project EDINET (Elearning in Distributed Data Network Laboratory).

Emerging technologies supporting the networking academy collaboration

Goal of this paper is to overview the structure of the Networking Academy program as well as to identify emerging technologies which are supporting the NetAcad program even in content delivery or support of the institutions which are responsible for the content delivery. Besides of the general overview we are sharing best practice in creating collaborative environment.

Control and monitoring system of small water and wind power plant

In the recent years there are more and more mobile devices appearing which are running Android operating system. Nowadays there is a trend of information availability anytime and anywhere. Main goal of this paper is to present the solution for interconnection of mobile device application environment and universal programmable microcontroller based on ARDUINO board with the goal of monitoring and remote control of small water and wind power plant. One of the application oriented outputs of this research is web-based solution for remote control with the ability to review measured parameters anywhere around the world. The solution is used as a learning module for understanding AD transmission of signals over the Internet. Students can create their own custom configuration of hardware components and thus monitoring system in the laboratory.

Mechanism for video streaming control related to tracked speaker position

This paper presents new concept for object tracking system with multiple cameras. Concept contains analysis, comparison and design of interconnection between various systems, including streaming, detection and tracking technologies in the multi-camera environment. The main goal is to develop object tracking system and do stream selection with best object presentation. Multiple cameras are used as streaming source, received videos analyzed and delivered to user based on pre-defined criteria. There was outlined a metric for rating of each source of system, which is based on current position, size or detection reliability of tracked object in the scene. The designed solution is capable to dynamic control of video stream transmitted from multiple cameras, where it is also simultaneously calculated the proposed metrics by output from object tracking algorithm in real time. Paper also presents possible implementation on TelePresence system.

Virtual electrotechnologic factory as a tool for e-learning

This paper represent an approach of applying the graphical visualization methods to the educational process. The Virtual electrotechnologic factory is created based on theory and contains the theory itself. The technology utilized during the process of the development was the Flash multimedia platform. This allowed us to visualize all the theoretical processes, logically connect them and link them with other multimedia content such as animations, video, still images or audio. Moreover factory was created in two language versions and possibility of offline and online usage is available. Virtually all the content is loaded into the factory from external folders and thus allows easy editing without the need to access the Flash source files. This method of visualizing educational material may be used for other areas of education.

The computer animation in education

This paper presents a new approach to use of the animations as a tool for education. Our approach is focused on the methodology of designing the animation rather than on the study whether it is or is not beneficial in the educational process. We will introduce the animation as a tool, present commonly used tools for development and then introduce a basic technique for developing an animation. Education is the most powerful mean to improve the understanding and the ability to perceive the world, therefore its resources should be used wisely.

Autonomous failure-resistant multi-agent file storage

This paper describes creation an autonomous failure-resistant multi-agent file storage, resistant against failure of hardware on certain number of its servers. We analyze multi-agent systems and ways the files are downloaded in computer networks. An agent system is analyzed, designed and implemented. The purpose of this system is to run on outdated servers and/or personal computers. Access to files and storage is realized through web browser and download manager. There is also an independent diagnostic tool implemented for this system.

NCTT NetAcad Curricula Translation Tool: Community Based Translation of E-Learning Materials

The Cisco Networking Academy proves to be a viable project in the area of education of networking professionals. All educational materials are presented in English and students are required to study in English, too. Our experience shows it is valuable for the students to have some localized curriculum handy. An official translation is extremely expensive. On the other hand, many local academies provide some form of translation of curricula to their students. We decided to develop an environment based on Web 2.0 technologies to provide community tools for collaborative translation of curricula and their distribution to the Academy students. The paper describes basic ideas of the developed solution and presents some results in the translation of curricula of CCNA courses.