Peer Review

Animated Token Ring

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The author of this material refers to it an a tutorial, but in the strictest
sense it is an animation with an explanation. Its sole purpose to demonstrate
and explain the way Token Ring topology works. It covers polling and self
healing with text explaining the animations.
Type of Material:: The material is a Flash animation with textual descriptions. The animations are
one-way animations without pace control (animated GIFs).
Recommended Uses:: This material could be used as an ancillary tool when introducing Token Ring
topology. It would be used as a demonstration or supplemental instruction.
Technical Requirements:: The student requires a computer with a browser and connection to the Internet.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: After viewing this material, the student should be able to explain how the Token
Ring technology polls computers on its network and self heals. Viewers will
understand the operational characteristics of a Token passing network.
Target Student Population:: This material supports students (secondary, under graduate or graduate) being
introduced to networking concepts. Could also be used for Grades 9-12.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: The student should have a basic understanding of LANs and topologies.

Rating:
Strengths:: The material provides a clear explanation of the animated process presented. The
animations, themselves, support the visual learner. Technically sound. Excellent
explanation of token ring.
Concerns:: The links page appears to be of commercial advantage to the author. Beware of
pop-ups if browsing the links. The material page encourages the site to be
downloaded. The link leads to a commercial offering.

Rating:
Strengths:: The visual learner would benefit from this material. On the main site is a link
to an animation of Ethernet and a static page discussing the history of cabling.
Both might be useful for instruction. Good explanation. The animation
reinforces the concepts very well.
Concerns:: This material is limited to demonstrating the topology and does not include any
testing of knowledge nor related activities. Page redesign could make this
easier to use.

Rating:
Strengths:: Since the animation is done with animated gifs, there is no requirement for any
specific reader. The student should not encounter difficulties using this
material. Very straightforward. Explanation is easy to follow.
Concerns:: A 56K dial-up user might be looking at a near half minute to load this site.

If the page was broken into two parts and placed in frames, the text in one
frame and the graphics in another, the graphics could be viewed during the
entire time the text was being read. At this time, part of the graphics must be
scrolled off the screen while the text is being viewed.

Other Issues and Comments:: Good Presentation. Token ring is much less common than ethernet. I would
recommend linking to higher level in site which includes material on ethernet
and other networking topologies.
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