Evaluation Report Paul Wallin New Technology Institute. Faculty of Computing Information Systems and Mathematics

Transcription

1 Bridging into Higher Education from Vendor Qualifications supported by the WEST LONDON LIFELONG LEARNING NETWORK Project no: Evaluation Report Paul Wallin New Technology Institute Faculty of Computing Information Systems and Mathematics Introduction The West London Lifelong Learning Network is a government-funded partnership that responds to employers skills shortages by encouraging vocational education through flexible learning. We help to enhance employment potential by developing higher-level work-related courses to advance career progression. The New Technology Institute (NTI) at Kingston University, based within the Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics (CISM), was set up as part of a government initiative to widen participation and improve the level of co-operation between education and the business community. The NTI specialises in providing Foundation Degree (FdSc) courses in IT for e- Business and vendor short course programmes leading to industry recognised certification. Originally the NTI offered a suite of Foundation Degrees under the banner of IT for E-Business, these included pathways in Networking, Web design and general IT. Project Objectives The project was to allow potential students with current vendor qualification such as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), or CompTIA A+ to be exempt certain Foundation Degree in IT for E- Business modules. The Foundation Degree modules that have module aims that enable the completion of one of these vendor qualifications will be exempt by completion of a unit of bridging material providing Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). This project was to be carried out at the New Technology Institute, Kingston University. As the Foundation Degree is studied in a part time mode (it is a full time course studied over 12 months per year with 3 semesters) the students may continue working whilst studying. With the exemption of modules it is expected that the students will join the part time version of the course. Page 1 of 9

2 Contributions to the WL LLN Delivery Plan targets This Foundation Degree bridging achieves targets number 2, 3, and 5 of the 10 LLN targets. The FdSc will increase the number of vocational learners into HE aiding the 20% increase target (2). Learners will have the opportunity to top-up to an Honours Degree at the end of the FdSc and this will increase the retention and achievement of vocational learners (3). The FdSc offers level 4 learner support provision (5). Reflective Evaluation of what has worked and what hasn t The project has contributed towards financing the development of the new material, which have been developed carefully and with consideration of the needs of learners joining the course. The course will open up a new opportunity to learners and enable exemption from modules. This will create a wider interest for the course and improve recruitment. The project successfully completed a set of APL material for the use with the CCNA qualification that can be applied to 4 FdSc modules for exemption. Originally the modules were to be used for APL of a group of students who had vendor certification from the London Computer College, but currently there are no students coming from this source. Our relationship with the WL LLN has been very important too us and the only problem we have had was with the absence on sick leave of Kerry Schulz being longer than expected, this has meant delays keeping in contact with the LLN. This has been a contributing factor in the delay in submitting the evaluation report. Impact of WL LLN support The WL LLN has provided a stimulus to encourage us to work in new avenues and to explore employer related courses in fresh new light. The NTI was set up to help to provide a solution to skills shortage in IT and the LLN has provided support and encouragement in taking this further. Next Steps The process has been established and it is now possible for a student that has completed the CCNA certificate to use the bridging APL process to gain exemptions from up to 4 modules of the FdSc. Now that the APL process has been developed it would be a suitable next step to develop it further with material for CompTIA s A+ and Microsoft professional qualifications. Paul Wallin July 2008 Page 2 of 9

3 Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning; APL Accreditation for Prior Learning (APEL / APL) For Networking Stream (Cisco Modules) associated with Kingston University Foundation Degree IT for e-business Similar process could also be applied to CI1613 Computer System Fundamentals This document describes the process for obtaining Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning; APL Accreditation for Prior Learning (APEL / APL in this document APEL will be used to refer to both) credit for the Networking Stream (Cisco Modules) within the Kingston University Foundation Degree IT for e-business (FdSc); it applies to Modules: CI1600 Networking Basics CI1602 WAN Basics CI2609 Network Design and Implementation CI2602 WAN Design and Implementation Note: Within the Cisco Networking Academy Programme, Cisco has recently introduced the Exploration course of study; this will replace their previous CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Academy) course of study. Thus CCNA1 will become Exploration1, CCNA2 becomes Exploration2 etc. In this document CCNA1-4 has been used to describe the level of study as this is the current course of study, but in the near future Exploration1-4 will be the more prevalent. APEL /APL APEL is the academic process by which the student applies for exemption from a specific module of a course by submitting suitable documentary evidence for scrutiny by the University. The documentation must demonstrate that the student has previously achieved the Learning Outcomes specified for the module. Within the context of this document all applications for APEL credit will involve the submission of specified academic style assignments, such as a report or portfolio, which will be assessed by the University at the same academic level of learning as the module for which APEL is claimed. Initially an applicant wishing to apply for APEL credit will apply, through their College Course Leader to the University Module Leader, requesting consideration for APEL which will involve a discussion relating to the prior learning and how it is to be demonstrated; there will also be a requirement to submit additional work as discussed below, by an agreed deadline. For the application to be successful, it will be the student s responsibility to provide documentary evidence of their study (either Course Completion Certificates or CCNA certificate) and to demonstrate the same level of learning as they would have been expected to achieve within the module for which APEL is claimed. As a prerequisite for joining the first year of the FdSc with APEL, the student must have successfully completed the APEL process for each module in Semester 1, Year 1 where APEL is claimed. The student can complete the APEL process for Semester 2, Year 1 modules during the first Semester of Year 1 of the course, but the process must be completed before the start of Semester 2. Progression to Year 2 of the course requires the student to have successfully completed all required modules from their Year 1 course as decided by the appropriate Exam Board. Before commencing the second year of the FdSc, the student will be required to have successfully completed the APEL process for each module in Semester 1, Year 2 where APEL is claimed. The student can complete the APEL process for Semester 2, Year 2 modules during the first Semester of Year 2 of the course, but the process must be completed before the start of Semester 2. APEL without CCNA (External Award) but with Cisco networking Academy Certification file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 3 of 9

4 The student will have followed the Cisco Networking Academy Programme and achieved successful completion of any or all of the CCNA1, CCNA2. CCNA3 or CCNA4 courses, without achieving the externally assessed CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) award. A student that does not meet these criteria can use the APEL with CCNA (External Award) as discussed in the second section of this document. For all APEL applications it is the student s responsibility to provide documentary evidence that shows their level of attainment within the Cisco Networking Academy Programme; normally this will be Course Completion Certificates, but a suitable alternative could be obtained by the student using the record of study recorded in the Cisco Networking Academy Management system. To achieve APEL credit for the appropriate module within the FdSc programme, the student is required to successfully complete the appropriate APEL assignments. These will be based on the course work assignments from the appropriate module, either specially designed, from the current year or historical; the submitted assignment will be marked using the same marking criteria as if the student had attended the associated Foundation Degree Module. The assignment will be submitted for assessment at least two weeks prior to a formally arranged Viva of about 30 minutes duration. The student will be required to complete this APEL process for each module where APEL credit is claimed. The Viva will provide an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate knowledge and understanding relating to their APEL application and for the panel members to provide academic feedback relating to the assignment and presentation. This feedback would be intended to help the applicant gain an understanding of the research and writing standards expected of a student at the level appropriate to the module for which APEL has been applied. Note. It is intended that the Viva will permit the student to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the FdSc course material and their submitted assignment. Feedback from the panel relating to the assignment and presentation, should be immediate and comprehensive, with the aim of assisting the student to understand any areas of their work that require further attention and for the student to be aware of the standard of work expected from students at the level of the assessed module. APEL with CCNA (External Award) The student holds a current certificate of the externally assessed CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) award (3 year validity from time of award). Also applies for Year 1 modules if the applicant holds a current award or similar. By holding a current CCNA award, the candidate has demonstrated, under stringent exam conditions, detailed knowledge, application and understanding of the CCNA assessment criteria to a level that is at least equivalent to that required to successfully pass the Networking Stream modules exams. However, to fully demonstrate the required level of academic capability for each module for which APEL is claimed, the student will be required to submit an academic assignment which when marked, meets or exceeds the pass grade for the appropriate modules. For all APEL applications it is the student s responsibility to provide documentary evidence that shows their attainment of CCNA and date of achievement. In this scenario, the student will be applying for APEL credit for either Year 1 or Years 1 & 2 of the FdSc IT for e-business Networking Stream (Cisco Modules), dependent upon the level of the external award achieved. To achieve APEL credit for any of the four networking modules within the FdSc programme, the student will be required to have successfully completed the appropriate APEL assignments. file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 4 of 9

5 All applicants will be required to complete the assignment associated with the Year 1 Foundation Degree modules and if appropriate a separate assignment addressing the Year 2 material. Whilst these assignments may be based on the course work assignments from the appropriate module, they are likely to be specially designed and incorporate suitable scenarios from either the current year or historical assignments. They will be designed to enable the student to demonstrate knowledge and understanding appropriate for a student who has successfully completed the Networking Modules from Year 1 and if appropriate Year 2 of the FdSc. The submitted assignment will be marked using the same marking criteria as if the student had attended the associated FdSc Module. The assignment will be submitted for assessment at least two weeks prior to a formally arranged Viva of about 45 minutes duration The Viva will provide an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate knowledge and understanding relating to their APEL application and for the panel members to provide academic feedback relating to the assignment and presentation. This feedback would be intended to help the applicant gain an understanding of the research and writing standards expected of a student at the level appropriate to the module for which APEL has been applied. Note. It is intended that the Viva will permit the student to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the FdSc course material and thier submitted assignment. Feedback from the panel relating to the assignment and presentation, should be immediate and comprehensive, with the aim of assisting the student to understand any areas of their work that require further attention and for the student to be aware of the standard of work expected from students at the level of the assessed work. References: Cisco Networking Academy Programme Guidelines on the Accreditation of Prior Learning published by QAA, September Available at file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 5 of 9

6 APEL / APL For Networking Stream (Cisco Modules) associated with Kingston University Foundation Degree for e-business. Possible Case Study for use in APEL Process - CCNA1 & 2 / Exploration1 & 2 Case Study Introduction You have recently been employed by Runway Aviation Ltd, as an IT Manager. The existing IT network is old and in urgent need of upgrade. Following your review of the existing network you have identified that the whole network needs an upgrade as a priority, also for security and network traffic reasons it is necessary for each department to have its own dedicated sub-net addressing plan. Because of the proximity of the air navigation Radar associated with the operational airfield, the use of radio LAN technology is not considered to be practicable. The whole infrastructure needs updating to make it more efficient. You should also build in an element of scalability into your design to allow for future expansion. The site plan is shown in the diagrams on the next page, with each building containing: Building One : (Two Floors) Network for Downstairs: 5 Systems connected on a Bus network running COAX cabling at 10Mbs. These are not connected to any other systems. Network for Upstairs: 19 systems are connected on a Token Ring network running at 16Mbs. 1 system is connected to the internet via a dial up line. Building Two: Occupies one floor of a 5 floor office block The company leased this office when their previous design office became unusable due to a serious fire in the old premises, although the office is functioning it does not have any data network or internet access, there are several telephones that are connected t the public network. This building is where the design is carried out; once the models have been designed, the files are taken to the Building One for creation. Within Building Two there are 25 recently purchased high specification workstations running as standalone systems. Printing is essential, however not all systems have a printer attached. New jobs and the clients ideas are recorded on paper and delivered to users from the other building Wind Tunnel: There are 2 Computer Workstations that are not networked. These are used for mathematical analysis and preparation of reports and results on a spreadsheet which is then printed for delivery to the customer. There is no telephone in this building. What you are required to do: Your assignment should be in the form of a detailed management report to the company on your proposed network design, which will contain the deliverables shown below. Marks will be awarded for the suitability of your solution, which will be a design based upon theory or methods applied from the appropriate FdSc module curriculum, with relevant justifications and conclusion. You are required to comply with all relevant standards such as IEEE and TIA/EIA. Deliverables : 1. Produce a specification to upgrade and modernise the network. This should include topology to be used including relevant cabling type etc. 2. List all hardware and quantities required, itemise the cost for each item and justify the cost. file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 6 of 9

7 This could use any combination of Layer 1, 2 or 3 devices. You should include all LAN & WAN devices plus cabling, list quantities of each item required. Discuss your reasons for selecting each item and justify the associated cost. 3. Explain the use of every item of hardware or group of devices. This should describe how each part of the network design works and how it is interconnected. Discuss where each item will be utilised within the network. 4. Configuration of devices. Provide basic configuration detail for each Layer 2 or 3 device that you use and discuss the information that needs to be entered against the PC networking adaptor. A sample of the network component of the PC configuration should also be provided. If you have access to a suitable simulation tool, copies of the configuration detail would meet this requirement. 5. Conclusions You may wish to outline any advantages the network will provide for the company and give suitable alternatives if necessary. You can design your network based on usage or cost but may wish to offer some alternative upgrades to enhance your design. 50m 500m 150m 150m Public roadway and airplane movement area Car Grass and flower 50m 55m 55m 10m 10m 25m Note: Diagram is not to scale file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 7 of 9

8 APEL / APL For Networking Stream (Cisco Modules) associated with Kingston University Foundation Degree for e-business. Possible Case Study for use in APEL Process - CCNA3 & 4 / Exploration3 & 4 Case Study Introduction You are a Technical Specialist employed by a Networking Consultancy. The consultancy has been retained by a customer to design and install a data network that will interconnect their many office locations. Whilst the customer is aware of the developing themes of Unified Communication and IP Telephony, they have been very definite that they are expecting you to propose a data only solution which will have the ability to grow with their business needs over the next four year period. The design brief The customer is a family owned, traditionally based service organisation that has experienced rapid growth of business and offices through successful customer service and the purchase of several of their previous competitors. This has resulted in the business doubling its size in the last three years, using a multiplicity of different data networks and technologies within their existing network. The company expect there to be a period of low growth for a year or two and then predict they will grow by about 25% by purchasing other local business in the 3 to 5 year future. The network is expected to be replaced in about 5 years time when they plan to consolidate many of their existing office locations into fewer new locations. Discussion with the customer has shown that they are flexible with regard to the method used to interconnect their offices, they do require the interconnecting circuits to be provided and managed by a dedicated service provider or PTO (Public Telephone Operator (telco)). Because they require guaranteed service availability and throughput they do not wish to consider ADSL (broadband) and for reasons of unpredictable cost they are against the regular use of ISDN or similar dial up technologies. Within their offices they would prefer dedicated LAN cabling to the desk as they are very concerned about data security and the other risks associated with using wireless LAN (WLAN). There are three regional office buildings, each about 40 to 45 miles apart, where centralised office administration functions are performed. Because of the way the business has grown, the Head Office is a small office of 20 people located in a small office development in a country location which is not near any of the regional offices. The Head Office also has a high bandwidth Internet connection which is used for company access to the Internet and supporting the company website which is hosted on servers at Head Office. Each of the regional offices employs 100 to 150 people located over several floors of the building. Frequently, staff who work in different departments are placed in a focus team for a month or two with the explicit task of developing a new product; upon completion of the project the staff are returned to their original department and job function. Departments located at each of the regional office sites include: Account payable. Debt collection. New business. Personnel (HR) and Pay roll. Clustered around the locality of the regional offices are a number of small offices and retail outlets that need to have a permanent, full time connection to their regional office. Typically each regional file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 8 of 9

9 office supports 20 to 30 of these small offices, but the ability to quickly and easily add or remove local offices is a key requirement. The volume of data traffic has been estimated: Traffic type Minimum data transfer Three Year growth Between regional offices 3Mbps 4Mbps Regional office to Head Office 0.5Mbps 1Mbps Local office to regional office 0.128Mbps to 0.25Mbps 0.5Mbps to 0.75Mbps Between local offices 0.064Mbps to 0.192Mbps 0.5Mbps max What you are required to do: Your assignment should be in the form of a detailed management report to the company on your proposed network design, which will contain the deliverables shown below. Marks will be awarded for the suitability of your solution, which will be a design based upon theory or methods applied from the relevant FdSc course curriculum (Cisco based Modules), with relevant justifications and conclusion. The FdSc course curriculum addresses the following technologies and protocols, you might wish to include any or all of these items within your design: OSPF, EIGRP, RIPv2 VLANs VTP PPP Frame Relay NAT/PAT DHCP VLSM Deliverables : 1. Produce a description and specification to upgrade and modernise the network. This should include a topology diagram and Layer 2 and 3 addressing information. 2. List all networking hardware and quantities required. Your design could use any combination of Layer 1, 2 or 3 devices and interconnecting network. Provide a list showing quantities of each item required discuss your reasons for selecting each item, you should include all LAN & WAN devices used in your design. 3. Explain the function and use of every item of hardware or group of devices. You should describe how each part of the network design works and how it is interconnected. Discuss where each item will be utilised within the network. 4. Configuration of devices and testing. As you are unlikely to have access to a suitable simulation tool, it is not necessary to provide detailed configuration information for each Layer 2 or 3. However, you are required to provide sufficient detail for a technician who is familiar with the equipment to be able to configure the devices and test the network in preparation for hand over to the end user. 5. Conclusions You may wish to outline any advantages the network will provide for the company and give suitable alternatives if necessary. You can design your network based on usage or cost but may wish to offer some alternative upgrades to enhance your design. file APEL1v0.14a.doc by PLH 10 January 2008 Page 9 of 9