A Laboratory at Mines Offering Distributed Environments (ALAMODE)

这个项目实现了一个模型实验室，供计算机科学专业的学生在分布式系统课程和计算机网络课程中使用。它根据目前可用的最新分布式网络技术，从全国各地的类似项目中调整和更新教学策略。正在开发一系列创新的实验模块，为学生提供实践经验，以补充本课程所涵盖的理论材料。Alamode由21台PC、一台文件服务器和一台专为模拟真实广域网而设计的100MB网络交换机组成。21台PC中的一台正用于模拟出现故障的广域网络，以便为项目提供容错方面的支持。通过使用真实的网络交换机，学生可以接触到尖端网络技术。D‘Agents移动代理系统正被用于模拟广域网，一个评估委员会正在指导一项评估，该委员会审查课程期间几个阶段的学生学习情况，并对学生的态度进行离职调查。有兴趣开发类似课程的其他计算机科学系正在提供带有解释说明的实验室单元。

This project implements a model laboratory for use by computer science students in a distributed systems course and a computer networks course. It adapts and updates pedagogical strategies from similar projects around the country, basing the lab upon the latest distributed networking technology now available. A collection of innovative laboratory modules are being developed to provide students with practical experience to complement the theoretical material covered in the course. ALAMODE consists of 21 PC's, a fileserver, and a 100 MB network switch specifically designed to simulate a real wide-area network. One of the 21 PC's is being used to simulate a faulty wide area network to provide fault tolerant aspects to projects. The use of a real network switch provides students access to cutting edge network technology. The D'Agents mobile agent system is being adapted for the simulated wide-area network, An evaluation is being directed by an assessment committee examining student learning at several stages during the courses as well as an exit survey of student attitudes. The laboratory modules with explanatory notes are being made available to other computer science departments interested in developing similar courses.