implementing blended distance learning the experience of the open university, uk
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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
Implementing Blended Distance LearningThe 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 LearningThe 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 [email protected] or [email protected]
Faculty of TechnologyThe Open UniversityWalton HallMilton KeynesMK7 6AA
www.open.ac.uk