In recent years, the integration of virtual laboratories and gamification strategies has gained momentum in engineering education, especially in areas requiring hands-on experience, such as the Internet and computer networks. However, despite the increasing availability of simulation tools and gamified environments, their impact on student learning and engagement remains underexplored. This study analyzes how a variety of digital tools influence the learning experience of students in intensive courses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of virtual laboratories and gamified activities on students understanding of Internet and computer networking topics. The objective is to determine how these activities influence student engagement and learning with no prior computer networking training. To achieve this objective, an intensive course was designed and implemented using a combination of professional software tools and gamified activities. Students interacted with virtual labs (Wireshark and Cisco Packet Tracer), customized exercises (Davalos Magic Box and Word-based activities), and presentation-based gamification (PowerPoint and Kahoot). A post-course questionnaire was used to collect data on student satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, and usefulness of each activity. Quantitative analysis of responses provided insight into student preferences and learning outcomes. The results showed high levels of student satisfaction, with 97 % reporting a positive experience. Virtual labs using Wireshark and Packet Tracer received 97% positive feedback, while all participants rated the Davalos Magic Box and Word activities as effective or very useful. Kahoot quizzes were perceived as useful by 79 % of students. These findings indicate that a well-structured combination of virtual and gamified tools can significantly improve student engagement and perceived learning effectiveness. These outcomes suggest that integrating diverse educational tools-such as virtual labs, structured exercises, and gamification-can enhance the effectiveness of intensive learning experiences. These findings support the broader adoption of blended learning strategies in technical subjects, especially for students from non-traditional backgrounds or disciplines. Future work will explore the long-term retention and adaptability of these methods in other contexts.
