Distance Learning

A key member of the Cisco UKI community is the Open University (OU) - who have been offering blended distance learning courses for 50+ years and members of NetAcad for 15+. They are not the sole experts in distance learning, however with their experience and the support of others. We are able to share different ideas and expertise regarding distance learning (also known as virtual learning or remote teaching).

For Cisco NetAcad instructors and Computing teachers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. From anyone teaching the introductory courses to the professional level content. The OU Cisco ASC have created a short < 3hr microcourse exploring distance learning within NetAcad.

This course will cover the academic principles, planning your teaching as well as some technological tips and tricks. Please consider this course to be advisory, presenting one set of ideas around the development of your professional practice. The author, Andrew Smith has also written this summative article - covering many of the points observed within the micro-course.

The Open University hosts OpenLearn, this is a free, open MOOC (massive open online platform) containing 15,000+ of useable content. Recently, in response to COVID-19 the OU has curated specific (non-NetAcad) guidance regarding 'taking your teaching online'.

FutureLearn, has also created and hosted a course, created by the University of Leeds, Institute of Education,, ALT and funded by UFI.

This is a collection of different free courses, from 3hrs to 40hrs - totalling 100hrs of study. Please DO NOT think that you must read everything. Please consider this to be something you may dip in (or out) and select what works best for you. The computing team at the OU also research situated and distance learning - Dr Karen Kear is curating this blog. This is a brief and very useful summary of resources.

  1. The Open University has a public resource for all Cisco Academies via this self enrolment page - please feel free to plunder, use and abuse any resource within.

  2. Birmingham City University have also created the 'Computing 4 Schools' useable resource.