Implementing Blended Distance Learning The experience of the Open University, UK

Distance Learning The Open University is a distance teaching University (rated No1 in student satisfaction) CCNA is mainly taught in the classroom The Open University has had 2 Million students (currently 200,000) Cisco has 1.6 Million Students on CCNA –Delivers to many Countries

Blended Distance Learning Natural path for e-learning Requires information systems/instructors to manage students Students need to be self-motivated (experienced learners) Practical skill development must be achieved Not for everyone

Partnership Cisco – liaison with regional people National Academy – approved the course Regional Academies – trained and supported instructors OU Regions – managed instructors Day School Centres – selected regional/local academies

Supporting Students All students are adult – independent learners Tutor groups – 20 students Moderated on-line conference – 400 students Netlab classes OU information systems – student home/VLE

Using Tools Netlabs – for assessment Packet Tracer – for practice IP addressing and subnetting toolkit – extra teaching materials OU assessment – structures student study and gives degree accreditation CNS practice exams – key for students

Success to date Pilot presentation in 2005 – 300 students 700 students per year Many students have taken the certification 25 instructors working for the OU (part time) No obvious impact upon traditional academies Keen interest in CCNP

Activity 1 How would your institution deliver blended distance learning? –Hints: student assessment, instructor support, theory and practical exams –15 minutes group discussion then 5 minutes for feedback

Implementing Blended Distance Learning The experience of the Open University, UK

Supporting the student Tutor groups Correspondence tuition Assessment Lab work

Tutor Groups 20 students Class management On-line support Marking of assessment Managing student progress

Correspondence tuition Setting of assignments Marking assignments Giving feedback Integrating with Cisco exams

Electronic forums OU uses first class National student forum news, chat and discussion Tutor group forum Tutor forum

Lab work Netlabs Packet tracer Day schools

Activity 2 How would you teach the practicals in concentrated session? –Hints: 1 day for each semester. –15 minutes group discussion then 5 minutes for feedback

Implementing Blended Distance Learning The experience of the Open University, UK

Day Schools How to deliver practical sessions? Issues are: –Time available (cost to university, and time cost to students) –Ensuring there is a common resource base –Ensuring students who are travel restricted have the same experience –Delivering a product which encapsulates many subjects –Enabling students to repeat experience once they have finished the session “Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so” Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Day Schools Creation of a common concept WidgetsRUs Network: –Works on Netlabs, Packet Tracer Live Equipment

Day Schools Ensure sessions and exercises combine multiple skills CCNA1 Sessions –Subnetting –Cabling –Encapsulation, Protocols etc using Wireshark –Building a simple network using the WidgetsRUs structure as a method of combining CCNA1 practical skills and preparing the student for CCNA2

Day Schools CCNA2 Sessions –Recap on building a network and configuring routers –RIP –EIGRP (or IGRP) –Static to Dynamic Route exercise –VLSM and CIDR in preparation for CCNA3

Day Schools CCNA3 Sessions –STP –OSPF –EIGRP –VTP, VLANs, Trunking and dot1q in one combined session

Day Schools CCNA4 Sessions –NAT and DHCP in one combined session –Frame Relay –PPP –Revision of course and exam prep for the OU Examination as this is a validated higher education course

Day Schools All Sessions –At the end of each day the student takes the CCNA1/2/3/4 final exam under proctored conditions, where the OU activated the exams on a per student basis the previous day –Many sessions are on a Saturday, one centre offers Sundays –Some students are ‘registered’ as ALE {Open University jargon for Alternative Learning Experience} these souls are either in the armed forces overseas, or with a limiting disability and will take the finals under ‘other’ conditions.

Day Schools All Sessions –Are six hours in length –Offered across the UK –At centres near Airports Major roads –Each centres technical and Cisco skills must be above average Glasgow Sunderland Birmingham Luton Camborne

For more information please feel welcome to contact or Faculty of Technology The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA