VTECH (Virtual Tools for Expanding the Cyber Horizon) is a collaborative project for Texas A&M University, Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), and 15 community colleges. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation. VTECH provides hands-on training to students studying Computer Networking. It is exciting and challenging for students. In addition, faculty will see that it can be easily incorporated into networking courses, and adapted to specific course needs.

The VTECH project allows students to access an isolated network called VNEL (Virtual Network Engineering Laboratory). This unique set-up offers students real-time access to a network of real equipment. It allows students to see the effects of their choices and resolve problems created by their own actions. In addition, on an isolated network, student choices will not directly affect the functionality of open networks.

VTECH training software is designed to foster learning by providing a case-based collaborative learning environment. Students will work on the network using problem solving skills in collaboration with classmates. This allows students to develop teamwork capabilities as they learn how to secure networks.

This software is divided into exercises of appropriate length for class assignments. Exercises appear in the browser window in three sections:

1. Exercise guide: includes all needed information to complete an assignment
2. Terminal: provides for communication with the network
3. Collaboration window: provides for communication with teammates

VTECH has a complete set of exercises for quick and easy integration into a curriculum. However, faculty will have many options for adapting VTECH to the specific needs of a course.

Faculty members may choose any combination of existing exercises for their courses. In the future, faculty will also be able to create exercises. By choosing to create an exercise, faculty can develop a new idea or adapt an existing one to course needs.

In addition, faculty will be able to customize the student site by posting announcements.