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

Implementing Blended Distance LearningThe 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

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

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


– STP– OSPF– EIGRP– VTP, VLANs, Trunking and dot1q in one combined session


– 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 [email protected] or [email protected]

Faculty of TechnologyThe Open UniversityWalton HallMilton KeynesMK7 6AA

www.open.ac.uk

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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

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