Course Syllabus

Begin preparing for a networking career with this introduction to how networks operate. This first course in the 3-course CCNA series introduces architectures, models, protocols, and networking elements – functions needed to support the operations and priorities of Fortune 500 companies to small innovative retailers. You’ll even get the chance to build simple local area networks (LANs). Developing a working knowledge of IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, you'll be able to perform basic configurations for routers and switches. No prerequisites required. After completing all three CCNA courses, you are ready to take the CCNA Certification. This course is offered in partnership with Michigan Information Technology Training.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...

• Configure switches and end devices to provide access to local and remote network resources.
• Explain how devices access local and remote network resources.
• Explain how devices access local and remote network resources.
• Configure routers to enable end-to-end connectivity between remote devices.
• Explain how switching operates in a small to medium-sized business network.
• Create IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes and verify network connectivity between devices.
• Explain how the upper layers of the OSI model support network applications.
• Use security best practices to configure a small network.
• Troubleshoot connectivity in a small network.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Networking Today

Module 2: Basic Switch and End Device Configuration

Module 3: Protocols and Models

Module 4: Physical Layer

Module 5: Number Systems

Module 6: Data Link Layer

Module 7: Ethernet Switching

Module 8: Network Layer

Module 9: Address Resolution

Module 10: Basic Router Configuration

Module 11: IPv4 Addressing

Module 12: IPv6 Addressing

Module 13: ICMP

Module 14: Transport Layer

Module 15: Application Layer

Module 16: Network Security Fundamentals

Module 17: Building a Small Network

Resources Included: Students will have access to the Cisco Networking Academy (Netacad) curriculum and course resources (Labs, Packet Tracer Activities, Reading Guides, Assessments, etc.). Michigan Information Technology Training is a Cisco Networking Academy and is offering the Cisco Networking Academy Program in an asynchronous e-learning environment to enable students to learn valuable information and skills for increased access to opportunities in the global economy.

Additional Costs: None

Scoring System: Michigan Virtual and Michigan Information Technology Training do not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue diplomas. A final score earned will be submitted to your school mentor for conversion to their own letter grading system. The final score will be calculated through total points earned within the following weighted categories: Chapter Reading Guides (15%), Group Module Exams (20%), Labs/PT Activities/Syn. Check (25%), Skills-Based Exam (20%),Final Exam (20%).

Time Commitment: Semester sessions are 18-weeks long: Students must be able to spend 1 or more hours per day in the course to be successful. Summer sessions are 10 weeks long: Students must be able to spend a minimum of 2 or more hours per day, or about 90 hours during the summer, for the student to be successful in any course. Trimester sessions are 12-weeks long: Students must be able to spend 1.5 or more hours per day in the course to be successful.

Technology Requirements:

• A computer with either Windows (7 or later), Linux, Macintosh Operating System, or Chromebook. Chromebook users will need to contact their instructor to request installation of a virtual machine.
• Reliable Internet Access;
• Ability to download and install Packet Tracer, a stand-alone program that is required for all Cisco NetAcademy Courses;
• Ability to download/upload PDF files as well as Packet Tracer files (.pka);
• A PDF reader to complete assignments (Recommend: Adobe Reader); Note: All Reading Guides/Labs are fillable PDF files.
• Up to date Chrome and/or Firefox Web Browser to access the curriculum;
• Java (JRE) to access Packet Tracer testing environment;
• Students also require access to YouTube.

Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/support/knowledge-base/technical-requirements/ 

Instructor Support System: For technical issues within your course, contact the Customer Care Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 889-2840.

Instructor Contact Expectations: Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.

Academic Support Available: In addition to access to a highly qualified, Michigan certified teacher, students have access to academic videos and outside resources verified by Michigan Virtual. For technical issues within the course, students can contact the Michigan Virtual Customer Care by email at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 889-2840.

Required Assessment: Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, instructor-graded writing assignments, including labs/lab reports, Packet Tracer Activities and Skills-Based Assessments.

Technical Skills Needed: Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to:

• Download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• Download and install software
• Use a messaging service similar to email
• Communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• Open attachments shared in messages
• Create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• Edit file share settings in cloud-based applications, such as Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides
• Save a file as a .pdf
• Copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• Insert images or links into a file or html editor
• Search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• Work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• Activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• Use presentation and graphics programs
• Follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• Use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• Create and maintain usernames and passwords

Additional Information:Students who successfully complete CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks will receive a certificate of completion for each course. Students who successfully complete the additional courses in the CCNA Sequence will be eligible to sit for the CCNA Certification Exam.

While Michigan Virtual and Michigan Information Technology Training assist in preparing students for this exam, the certification exam is not part of this course. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to register for the CCNA exam.

For more information about certification exams, go to: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/book-your-exam