CCNA
About CCNA
Welcome to the MiraCosta College CISCO Networking Academy Program. The CCNA program is designed for students pursuing or interested in advancing their careers in networking. “OE” classes are designed to teach students the same material as an ‘on ground’ class, but are different in that they provide students more schedule flexibility.
Courses offer in-depth theory, challenging labs, and detailed lessons in protocol operations and are more technical. These courses offer hands-on lab exercises using routers and switches. Students with less computer/Windows experience may want to consider the Small Office/Home Office Networking course as a first step (NCVOC 66).
Courses prepare students for careers in small-to-medium businesses, as well as enterprise and service-provider environments and for the Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam. Certifications also enhance career opportunities for those already holding IT positions.
Advantages of CISCO Blended Learning Open Entry are:
- Students may register later than a typical class – usually during the first 8 weeks of a semester.
- Students can work more quickly (or slowly) through the program, as their own schedules permit.
- Students may take a class for college credit or on a noncredit basis.
Blended Learning Open Entry classes are not online courses, they are self-paced. Students must attend 48 hours to pass the course.
Fall - Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9pm and Saturday mornings from 9-12pm. Lecture schedule has not been determined yet.
Open Entry classes are not meant to be a ‘quickie’ exam prep or review course. Our courses are designed to teach the material and provide a solid foundation for computer networking. You will acquire solid job skills and hands-on experience. If you are seeking a 2 or 5-day quickie exam prep course, please look elsewhere.
The classroom and lab will be open at various times, typically evenings and Saturdays, for students to complete their work. Click on the "Hours" link on the left, for the current schedule. Students are required to log 48 hours on campus for each course. More details will be provided during Orientation sessions.
The CISCO curriculum is available online for registered students. Additionally you will have online quizzes, study guides to assist your learning and review, and various lab exercises.
The CISCO curriculum is available online for registered students. Additionally you will have online quizzes, study guides to assist your learning and review, and various lab exercises.
Take a test drive – sample the curriculum. Click on the ‘Online Sample Chapter’ link to the left, under Things You Need to Know. Do 2 things – take the Curriculum Tour, AND go to Module 1 by selecting Introduction to Networking from the ‘Modules’ drop down box. (Site only works with Internet Explorer)
Instructors will provide mini-lectures, as well as one-on-one tutoring. Tests must be taken in class. Chapters are broken down into smaller modules to facilitate scheduling. Modules will have online quizzes to test your understanding.
You will also spend quite a bit of time online and will need computer access, and an email account that you check regularly. Additionally you will use Blackboard course management system at MiraCosta. You will also need the ability to print lab exercises.
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Fall Schedule
Tuesday
|
Thursday |
Saturday |
6pm-9pm
|
6pm-9pm |
9:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Classes begin Monday June 2nd at 6pm. The last day of classes will be Wednesday July 23rd. Courses may be taken for credit or noncredit. Credit students need to complete the course during the semester – IP (In Progress) grading is not available.
Students have the choice of attending lectures or working at their own pace.
Lecture schedule
Monday
|
Wednesday |
Saturday |
CCNA1 |
Tests + labs
|
CCNA1 |
Netlab – Remote lab access via Internet allows completion of lab exercises 24/7 for students in most classes although not all lab exercises may be available due to equipment restrictions. (Some lab work may need to be done on-campus.)
Students have the choice of attending lectures or working at their own pace.
CCNA CourseDesignators
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Computer Requirements
- Internet access - The curriculum is online so you will spend hours on the Internet. There is a textbook (Companion Guide) that closely follows the curriculum but it is not an exact copy. You may use the textbook for a lot of your studying, but you will need to review the online curriculum for Academy exams.
- Software - Your computer needs Internet Explorer and Shockwave Flash Media Player software which can be downloaded for free from
- Printer - The lab exercises are located in the curriculum and should be printed prior to attending lab.
- Required Book – Due to a new release of curriculum, no books are available at this time for the Fall 2007 semester.
- Notebook - For your lab exercises.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
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General Course Format
Coordinator
Kathie Laughlin
Phone: 760-795-8737
Office Location
Community Learning Center (CLC)
1831 Mission Avenue
Oceanside CA 92058
Office Hours
See email and phone above to contact me to schedule an appointment.
Needed for Class
See Computer Requirements
BlackBoard Website
This course will make use of the BlackBoard Course Management System. You should check it on a regular basis. You will find assignments, study guides, practice tests, and communication regarding class hours, etc.
http://blackboard.miracosta.edu
Reading Online Curriculum
You may read the online curriculum from any location with Internet access. Reading (and studying) can be completed from home, work, library or any other location.
As you read and study, you should be taking notes, completing the Engineering Journal, and working with any study guide information from BlackBoard.
Two websites are available for studying, the official Cisco Academy website and our local MiraCosta website. You will receive a login and password for each site. You may find that you have better response from the MiraCosta website, as there are fewer students using it. The Cisco website services students throughout the world.
http://cisco.netacad.net - referred to as "netacad"
http://scotty.miracosta.edu - referred to as "scotty"
Testing
There are 2 types of tests that will be required.
- Section tests can be taken from home or wherever, using the BlackBoard Course Management system. These tests will assist you in evaluating your understanding of material in a particular section/chapter. These tests are graded automatically by BlackBoard. Because these tests cover sections of a chapter, you may find that there are several to take for each chapter or module of the Cisco Academy online curriculum.
- The second type of test is the official Cisco Academy online chapter exams. These exams can only be completed at school in CLC 132/133.
Before you can take the Academy exams, you must have completed the BlackBoard tests for the appropriate chapter (module). You must also complete any lab exercises required for that chapter (module).
Why you ask? Some chapters are long and filled with technical information. We find students believe they understand the material, take the test, and score low. No one enjoys a low score on a test. Low scores can also disqualify you from receiving a discount voucher for the official Cisco Certification exam.
Tests on BlackBoard are designed to assist you in evaluating your understanding of the material. If you score low on a section test in BlackBoard, you can go back and study that section again, make note of what you do not understand, and work with an instructor for clarification.
We want you to score well on the Academy exams and we are providing the additional study aids to assist you.
None of these tests/exams is the official Cisco Certification exam for the CCNA.
Course Format
Although you will have a test schedule which will help you stay on track, you will need to manage your time and schedule in order to complete all the course requirements.
All students can meet with instructors during the hours stated, typically Saturdays and evenings. (We are using the Open Entry format for the first time this semester and we are open to suggestions regarding lab hours, etc.) You have the following resources available: Online curriculum, e-labs, Blackboard for assignments, course documents and tests. You may also meet with the instructors for assistance on topics covered in your reading.
If you feel a traditional class setting and structure are more your style, classes are offered by Oceanside ROP.
At the beginning of the semester, you will be asked for your email address for the Cisco Academy system and Blackboard. This email address will be used as a way to communicate important course information and updates with you. Blackboard will have announcements so be sure to check in every other day. You should also check your email once a week for any announcements. If your email address changes, please send me an email with your new email address immediately. You can also change your address in BlackBoard.
Course Materials
- Required: Print lab exercises
- Optional for CCNA 1 : CCNA Exploration Companion Guide ISBN 1-58713-208-7
We do not recommend purchasing the Lab Companion book as the labs frequently change or are updated. (We have found inconsistencies between the online lab exercise and the printed version in the lab companion.
Evaluation
A Case Study is part of each course. The case study should not be submitted until all lab assignments and Tests have been taken. Parts of the Case Study may be assigned and completed as you progress through the course.
Components of your grade will be similar to the following:
- Blackboard tests
- Lab assignments
- Cisco Academy module exams
- Final exam
- Case study
Points will vary by course. Refer to the specific syllabus for your course.
Lab Assignments
Lab Assignments will be listed on the last page of your syllabus. Lab Assignments may be printed from the on-line curriculum.
Most labs require access to the lab equipment and need to be completed in the lab during available lab hours. Submit the completed lab sheets for each module to the instructor or lab assistant for grading prior to taking the on-line Academy exam for that module. (This information will be more specific for your course.)
Lab Assistance
- Come to lab prepared with a printout of your lab exercise(s).
- Find a buddy so that you can work the labs together. You’ll both get more out of it by comparing notes and discussing the results.
- Read the lab beforehand so that you know what you are going to do.
- Bring a USB or thumb drive to save your configurations.
- Bring pen or pencil to write while you are working.
Due to the number of students working in the computer labs, it is not possible for the Instructors and lab assistants to work extensively with any single student.
Also, due to the amount of equipment, you will not have an unlimited amount of time if other students are waiting for equipment. Your time will be limited to 90 minutes total if others are waiting. You can save your configuration files to disk, in order to pick up and continue later.
Therefore, it is very important that you come to the lab prepared so that you are able to complete your Assignments without extended or excessive one-on-one help. There will be an instructor or a lab assistant in the lab during open lab hours. But assistance in the lab must be spread across many students.
Attendance
48 hours of attendance is required for each course
Lab attendance is a required component of the Open Entry course format. In addition to the points you earn in the course completing Assignments and Tests, you must complete hours physically in the lab/classroom to receive a passing grade. Please remember to record your lab usage time on the computer designated for that purpose by logging in and logging out every time you enter or exit the lab.
It is your responsibility to manage your time so that you complete your Assignments and take your exams in a timely manner.
Accommodation of Disability
A student with a verified disability may be entitled to appropriate academic accommodations. Please contact me and the Disabled Students Services Office 760-757-2121 x6300 for further information.
Electronic Devices
Cell phones must be turned off while in the lab. You may take a break and exit the room at any time to check for messages. It is disrespectful to all, instructors and students, to be disturbed during their time in the classroom and lab. Pagers MUST be put on vibrate mode.
CD players, DVD players, radios, games, and similar devices are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory facilities. Computers should be used for class related functions, such as testing, reading, research.
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Orientation
Fall- First week of classes - Tuesday, August 28th at 6:00pm, Thursday August 29th at 6:00 pm, or Saturday August 30th at 9:00 a.m.
You need to attend only 1 orientation/lecture session during the first week of classes (you may attend lab several times if you desire). Evening orientations during the first week of classes will begin at 6:00 pm.
Dates |
Time |
|
6:00 pm |
|
6:00 pm |
| Saturday, August 30th |
9:00 am |
For your orientation, please be prepared by bringing the following information:
- Valid Email address. If you do not have an email address, you should create a free yahoo.com or hotmail.com account.
- Your Surf student ID and password, if you used it to register.
- Paper and pen to take notes.
- Your calendar or appointment book for test scheduling.
During your orientation, you will learn and accomplish the following:
- Get your account for cisco.netacad.net website AND access the curriculum.
- Get your account for Scotty.miracosta.edu AND access the curriculum.
- Take a tour of the online curriculum to learn navigation.
- Log in to Blackboard to access assignments AND take sample test.
- Read the general syllabus that applies to all CCNA courses.
- Watch a 10 minute video – Warriors of the Net. You may also watch this from home or work using the www.warriorsofthe.net website. (You need high speed Internet access.)
Remember your account logins and passwords!
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Registration
You have the option of taking courses for college credit or noncredit.
Credit
- Apply for Admission to MiraCosta College at the Admissions & Records Office at the Oceanside campus (1 Barnard Dr. (760) 795-6620) or the San Elijo campus (3333 Manchester Ave. Cardiff, CA ).
- Register for CIS 12x course using SURF. Fees must be paid at time of registration.
Noncredit
- Complete the online application form.
- You must pay the $5 materials fee before your registration will be completed.
- You may print the application and mail it with the $5 materials fee. The $5 materials fee for the first course must be paid with the application to complete the registration.
- You can also complete a registration form at any campus.
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Fall CISCO Lab Schedule
Days |
Time |
Tuesdays |
6:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Thursdays |
6:00pm – 9:00pm |
Saturdays |
8:30am – 12:30pm
|
Books
CCNA 1
- Optional book – Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide
ISBN 1-58713-208-7
Reading materials are provided online but many people prefer to have a book.
- Required – Print lab exercises. File can be taken to Kinko’s or similar facility for printing or print exercises chapter by chapter.
CCNA 2
- Routing Protocols and Concepts, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide
ISBN 1-58713-204-4
CCNA 3 + 4 Versions 3.1 of curriculum
- Required book - CCNA 3 and 4 Engineering Journal and Workbook (Cisco Networking Academy Program), 3rd Edition, Cisco Press
ISBN: 1587131153; Published: June 11, 2003
- Optional textbook - CCNA 3 and 4 Companion Guide (Cisco Networking Academy Program), 3rd Edition, Cisco Press
ISBN: 1587131137; Published: June 25, 2003
- Version - Exploration
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Study Methodology
For each chapter/module, you should follow a similar approach.
- Print study guide and competencies from Blackboard.
- Read the chapter/module and complete your Engineering Journal.
- Study the material and prepare questions for topics that are not clear.
- Talk with instructor or attend mini-lecture on these topics.
- Complete the study guide.
- Practice with e-labs if applicable (not all chapters have e-labs).
- Complete lab exercises and complete lab paperwork. Save output from labs to disk.
- Take Blackboard quizzes to determine readiness for Academy exam.
- Review and check competencies.
- If competencies are completed, take Academy exam in class.
- Review incorrect answers.
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Important Links
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Prerequisites and Equivalents
We receive many questions because people feel they have industry experience or equivalent courses and they want to bypass the first CCNA course. There are 2 ways to bypass the first course.
- equivalent course (Cisco Academy) at another educational institution, or
- equivalent experience. To test out of the first course, you need to make an appointment prior to registering. You will have to take a 3 part exam consisting of:
- equivalent final exam for CCNA1 course and score 75% or better,
- IP subnetting problems – without the use of calculators, and
- skills test – making straight and crossover cables, and connect 2 PCs and establish communication.
You have only one opportunity to pass the 3 part test. If you fail any part of the test, you will be required to take the first Cisco Academy course.
Challenges need to be scheduled prior to enrolling in class. Appointments are required. Call Kathie Laughlin to make an appointment 760-795-8737.
If you have completed a Cisco Academy course at another institution, please provide your Academy username, educational institution, dates of enrollment, and instructor name.
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