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
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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
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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
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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
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Tutor groups
Correspondence tuition
Assessment
Lab work
Tutor Groups
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20 students
Class management
On-line support
Marking of assessment
Managing student progress
Correspondence tuition
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Setting of assignments
Marking assignments
Giving feedback
Integrating with Cisco exams
Electronic forums
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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:
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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
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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
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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
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STP
OSPF
EIGRP
VTP, VLANs, Trunking and dot1q in one combined session
Day Schools
• CCNA4 Sessions
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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.
Glasgow
Day Schools
Sunderland
• All Sessions
– Are six hours in length
– Offered across the UK
– At centres near
Birmingham
• Airports
• Major roads
– Each centres technical and Cisco
skills must be above average
Camborne
Luton
For more information please feel welcome to contact
n.g.moss@open.ac.uk or andrew.smith@barnfield.ac.uk
Faculty of Technology
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
www.open.ac.uk