Alleviate the contending issues in network operating system courses: Psychomotor and troubleshooting skill development with Raspberry Pi

Abstract

Abstract Despite the growing popularity of network operating system courses in vocational high schools, issues have been raised regarding the lack of appropriate computer hardware specifications and the limited use of real networking devices. The media that have been used in teaching network operating systems have been based on virtualization-based simulation. However, such virtualization does not expose students to real hardware. This results in less than optimal hands-on activities and students’ psychomotor abilities. Consequently, alternative authentic media are needed to accommodate practical learning and improve psychomotor skills. The aim of this study is to explore the implementation of a single-board microcomputer in learning network operating systems. The Raspberry Pi was chosen as it can replace the role of a non-simulation PC. The choice of Raspberry Pi was also based on the fact that in Indonesia it is still rare to find its implementation for teaching and learning activities in vocational high school, so it is necessary to introduce the device to students. The operating system used by the Raspberry Pi is similar to Ubuntu, which is one of the network operating systems that must be mastered by vocational IT students. The research made a comparison between the two learning media as employed by two groups of students in different classes, one using virtualization-based simulation and the other using the Raspberry Pi. Based on the results, it is concluded that the use of the Raspberry Pi is more effective than that of virtualization-based simulation in improving students’ psychomotor and troubleshooting skills.