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Mode of study

All of this module’s study materials are online using both the OU VLE and Cisco Networking Academy website (NetAcad). Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips of 3–10 minutes (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; interactive media; animations; and multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.

Tuition strategy

This module provides two online tutorials.

Working with others

You will be required to work with other students and we assess this. This includes looking at, and commenting on, others’ work; reflecting on others’ comments on your work; and/or working together with fellow learners on a project/task.

Practical work

You’ll have access to the NetLabVE – a remote lab experience using physical networking equipment via a remote connection. Screen readers should work for most students in this context. The module team will accommodate anyone with additional requirements at each day school venue based on need and prior advance notification.

You’ll also have access to the Packet Tracer Network Simulator for practical in-module activities and assignment/assessment work. This simulator has various accessibility features you can tailor to your needs. The module team will also support any specific additional requirements.

Diagrams and other visual content

The study materials contain a significant number of diagrams. Producing your own version of one of these of these is an important part of the module assessment. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures by Cisco as part of their content – there is a ‘switch’ to access these within the online content context menu.

Finding information

You will be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online, and we assess this. We can provide alternatives for required/assessed research material to enable you to meet the learning outcomes of the module.

Assessment

This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and an end-of-module assessment (EMA) that you must submit via the online TMA/EMA service. There are also self-assessed online Cisco exams.

Feedback

You’ll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.

Schedule

We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you’ll need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We’ll support you in developing these skills.

Specialist software

The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software: Packet Tracer network simulator, and may not be fully accessible as a result. The curriculum has been adapted to enable students to complete the content; however, the type of screen reader that works with the content and the network simulator is very specific and requires pre-configuration.