A web-based board game for teaching aspects of internet engineering

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a web-based board game for teaching Internet peering as part of an Internet engineering class which forms the final taught course at an honours level. The game exposes students to a number of commercial-based aspects of broadband network provision strategy in which they need to negotiate contracts for network connectivity, set service prices and compete for customers. The game developed from a spreadsheet-based model in 2005 to a web-based game in 2006. This paper introduces the game facets, the positive learning outcomes and initial experiences with playing the web-based game.