[Cisco] Semester 1 (difficulty of version 3 course)

[Stephen Spencer]

Hi All,
Jim Bunn has raised the issue of the difficulty of the version 3 course. 
This is part of the reason why many local academies have closed.
At Mill Park Secondary College I am teaching Units 3 and 4 to my year 12 
class but will only teach Semesters 1 and 2 to the new year 11 group.
This year I am teaching Semester one for the whole year for my year 11 
class. I have found this a much improved experience over teaching 
Semesters 1 and 2 in year 11. I can spend much more time with activities 
to help students understand the curriculum, and have found time for many 
more pracs. I have also had time to introduce them to IP addressing 
which has allowed networking pracs. We will be doing the Module 6 exam 
next Monday!
I will not be sure that the two semester course is an improvement until 
the end of the year, but I expect that all or most will achieve the 70% 
at the end of the Semester.
There are a few disadvantages to this arrangement. Students will be 
disadvantaged if they do not take Semester 2 in year 12. As well they 
will not be exposed to the Semester 3 and 4 curriculum. I have made it 
clear to my year 11 students that they must commit to Semester 2 in year 
12. As well I plan to briefly introduce them to the more interesting 
Semester 3 and 4 issues, such as VLSM, CIDR, NAT and VLANS, so that they 
will be aware of some more advanced issues but will not have to study 
them in detail.

Stephen Spencer
(Mill Park Secondary College)


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