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New NetAcad Platform Support

At the end of August 2024 to new NetAcad platform came online. This blog message lists some of the issues that instructors are encountering.

Tip - Platform Orientation for Educators 

Platform Orientation Video for Instructors => managing the new platform: hyperlink (login required)

Issue 1 - Link existing Webex account to your NetAcad account
Instructors who were already using Webex before August 2024 should link their Webex Account to the NetAcad account. For some reason this is not an automatic process. This hyperlink shows the steps how to perform the linking of the two accounts.

Issue 2 - Class with invitation only
The Invitation Only option will allow only learners with class invitation to enroll. Your class enrollment page will still be public, but non-invited email addresses are prevented from joining the class. The instructor needs to define which students will get access by using a CSV file. After giving access to students, you can check the the Manage Leaners page. 

Issue 3 - Self-Paced Class
In a self-paced class the instructor has no possibilities to manage assignments or course content. If possible, as an instructor use the instructed-led approach. Nevertheless there exist courses that only work self-paced.

Issue 4 - Packet Tracer Login
There is currently an issue logging into Cisco Packet Tracer using the NetAcad login button. Please have users click on the Skills for All login button to access Cisco Packet Tracer. The new version of Packet Tracer later this year will eliminate this issue.

More info -- Students cannot launch PT, even with Skills-for-All login
Hello again! OK, I think I've figured out the issue. The PT login button for Networking Academy apparently loads the wrong URL, or the URL it is loading is being redirected to the Legacy Netacad main page. If the student logs in using their Legacy Netacad login, they are presented with their course dashboard and no message goes back to PT. When the student closes the browser, they are back at the PT login screen.

This is different than what happens with the Skills-for-All button. When the student clicks the Skills-for-All button, it takes them to https://auth.netacad.com/auth/realms/skillsforall/protocol/openid-connect/auth?client_id=02159bbb62514124&openid=&response_type=code&state=R0gnhDio and gives them a login box. If they login, a tab opens in their default browser that says "You have successfully logged in to Cisco Packet Tracer. You may close this tab. Definitely different behavior.

More to follow ...

Actions and Reminders before convergence

Planned Downtime
Both NetAcad.com and SkillsForAll.com will be down for 72 hours from 8:00 pm PT on Thursday, August 22 through 8:00 pm PT on Sunday, August 25 (03:00 UTC on Friday, August 23 through 03:00 UTC on Monday, August 26).

Watch these key sessions to ensure you are prepared

• IPD Session: Top 5 Instructor Tasks
• IPD Session: Academy Management
• IPD Session: Are you ready?
• IPD Session: Creating and migrating course customizations

Changing passwords
Users who did not change their password between February 2024 and now will be required to change their password when they login to the new NetAcad.com.

Contact Role
On the new NetAcad.com, there will initially be only one Contact role per organization. Your Contact should be a person who deals with the day-to-day management of the program for your organization. At the end of October, we will release functionality allowing for a second Contact to be added.

New NetAcad Quick Start Guide for Instructors

Next generation teaching & learning experience

Topics

• Quick Navigation
• Legacy Classes
• Creating a new class
• Resources

URL: Download English - Quick Start Guide for Educators

NetAcad & SkillsForAll Convergence

In a very short time the two learning platforms Networking Academy and SkillsForAll will be converging. 

As a Cisco Academy you are responsible for your own transition. The hyperlinks given in this message will provide you all the details. In case of doubt, get in touch with BiASC.

Convergence Hub Hyperlink: http://cs.co/ConvergenceHub

Make sure that you are reviewing the Getting Started Guide under the “Are you ready to teach?” section. Also, double check the “Checklist: Actions to take prior to convergence”.

In Case You Missed It

Be sure to check out the below announcements.

• Special IPD sessions– August 12-16, 2024, join these special sessions to prepare for the new platform experience.
• CCNP End Of Life announced – Last day to create a course is July 31, 2025.

Actions to Take Prior to Convergence (August 22)

• Make sure that you and your students are logged into Packet Tracer prior to convergence and select the ‘Keep me logged in’ option if you plan on utilising Packet Tracer during the downtime.
• Create any courses needed for this year before convergence to ensure access to any customisations post convergence.
• Academy contacts should make sure their academy information is up to dateand all users updated. Remove people no longer associated with your organisation.
• Downloadany personal recognition from user profiles. Remind students to do the same.

Important Links

• Convergence Hub – http://cs.co/ConvergenceHub
• IPD Course Enrolment Link – http://cs.co/ipd24

 

EUROPE NORTH INSTRUCTOR TRAINING 2024-2025

NetAcad Instructor Training 2024-2025

Become an Accredited NetAcad Instructor: Introductory & Accreditation Courses

Enrollment

To register for instructor training, click here: hyperlink

Several types of instructor courses are offered

• Introductory Courses for instructors about the learning platform, simulation tools and Python.
• Accreditation Courses & Equivalent: prepare to teach courses leading to industry-recognized certifications like CCST, Associate-level (CCNA, CyberOps, DevASC), or Professional-level (CCNP). Certification is independent of this training.
• It is necessary to enroll before 27 September 2024. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and in case of full groups, a waiting list will be created.

Planning

The sessions of semester one will start in October 2024. The sessions of the second semester will start in March 2025. Most core courses consist of a minimum of eight sessions. The planning of the instructor training you can find here: hyperlink

Digital Literacy Learning Collection

The Digital Literacy learning collection offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to  navigate the digital world effectively, efficiently, and responsible.

The interactive online course will include 4 modular courses to help learners to customize their learning experience:

1. Digital Awareness (~6 hours)
   Learn fundamentals of using digital technologies, their impact on society and work, and how to manage a digital identity.
2. Using Computer and Mobile Devices (~6 hours)
   Learn basic skills on how to use computer and mobile devices (including some features, hardware, operating systems, and software) to access online services.
3. Create Digital Content, Communicate and Collaborate Online (~6 hours)
   Learn basic skills on how create documents, communicate, and collaborate using digital technologies.
4. Digital Safety and Security Awareness (~6 hours)
   Learn fundamentals of digital cyber threats, their potential consequences and how to improve your online security as well as how to protect your health and well-being while using digital technologies.

Click on the image to enlarge

Overview of NetAcad Courses 2024

Visual overview

A complete visual overview of all available courses on the NetAcad & SkillsForAll platforms you can find using the link below

• Visual Overview URL: Hyperlink

NetAcad Course Catalog

All course descriptions of the NetAcad Course Catalog are here:

• Course Catalog URL: Hyperlink

The Course Catalog contains the following:

Introduction
Curriculum Portfolio
Course Offerings by Category
Practice Tools
Language Availability
Quick Links

URL: Hyperlink 

NetAcad Courses Entry Level & Intermediate

URL: Hyperlink

 

NetAcad Program Updates - IPD Week - May 2024

Tuesday 28^th at 2pm CEST
We have many topics to cover, CCNA / CCNP minor updates, new CCST IT Support certification, All new offerings in AI and Sustainability and many more.
Register: https://netacad.webex.com/weblink/register/r7d077ed44a136d5e2b1689c68d4284ba

Journey to Convergence: Wednesday 29^th at 6pm CEST. All updates about convergence, actions to take, instructor resources. Don't miss this change to be inform, we are only 3 months away from Convergence!
Register:
https://netacad.webex.com/weblink/register/ra6c1b07ec00d32c40b5c5fa835d5afa7

Be Prepared! Hands-on Educator Experience Walk-through Part 2 30^th May at 5pm CEST. We continue to bring you the hands-on demo of the new platform. Join us to learn how you can leverage the Custom Content feature to enrich student's learning experience, and how to use Gradebook to monitor student progress.

Register:
https://netacad.webex.com/weblink/register/re90a238df71dc25d58074974e5398deb

You can also review the Part 1 recording: https://skillsforall.com/resources/video/ipd-be-prepared-hands-on-educator-experience-walk-through

And many technical sessions in English that ca be found in the IPD Week course! https://cs.co/ipdcourse24

Wednesday 29^th at 3pm CEST - IPD Dutch - Nederlandse Programma Updates
Register: https://netacad.webex.com/weblink/register/r51532ff1d28b5e04c0d1c34ba98850ed

Friday 31^st May at 3pm CEST - IPD French - Journey to Convergence
Register: https://netacad.webex.com/weblink/register/r106566d8f7c4071c775a3100c7f761dc

 

Reviewing Talent Connect 2024

Unlocking Futures: Networking Academy Students Explore Career Pathways at Talent Connect

A group of 180 Networking Academy students from different parts of Belgium had the opportunity to engage in informal discussions with Cisco partners about internships and employment opportunities in IT infrastructure, networking, and cybersecurity. In total, there were 30 representatives from partner companies available to share information to interested students.

Talent Connect is tailored for students with objectives that are socially and educationally pertinent:

• Learning about opportunities within Cisco and visiting the TAC Lab
• Speaking to Cisco partners about internships and job opportunities
• Discovering your value as a future professional

The majority of students attending the Talent Connect event are from higher education, seeking challenging internship opportunities. Additionally, there are students from adult retraining and upskilling competence centers who are prepared for certification and are also seeking opportunities.

Offering internships to students before graduation is a valuable public service by businesses. Internships provide hands-on experience, bridge academic and professional life, and benefit both students and businesses. Internships in the fields of IT infrastructure, networking, and cybersecurity have a significant impact. Without such internships, students cannot be adequately prepared for jobs in these domains.

During the event all students also were able to visit the Cisco TAC labs, guided by young professionals working there.

Here is a video flowing through groups of students talking to companies while other students were visiting the Cisco labs.

Feedback from participants

Het bezoek aan de Cisco TAC Labs mag wat meer gedetailleerd en langer duren. ☺

Qua planning ervoor zorgen dat de bedrijven langer aanwezig zijn of dat het bezoek aan het TAC na de bedrijven komt.

J'ai trouvé que tout était vraiment bien! Un tout grand merci.

Tout était très bien organisé, très intéressant et l'accueil a été très chaleureux tant des employés de Cisco que des partenaires

La partie plus intéressante était la visite du laboratoire TAC. D'autres visites similaires seraint intéressantes.

Het zou handiger zijn als niet alleen de HR van de bedrijven zouden komen, want zij kunnen iets minder specifiek de vragen van de studenten beantwoorden.

Platform convergence 2024

Platform convergence will take place on August 23-25, 2024

Both NetAcad.com and SkillsForAll.com will be down from Friday, August 23, 2024 through Sunday, August 25, 2024 Pacific Daylight Time / UTC-7 hours.

Both sites will be down for 3 full days.

Beginning August 26, 2024, everyone will login to the converged NetAcad.com to continue your open classes and create new classes.

SkillsForAll.com will no longer be available and any courses in progress from either platform will be available through the new NetAcad.com platform.

Find key information on the Convergence Hub

A new page has been created on NetAcad.com for partners and instructors to help you find all the information relevant to convergence in one place.

Bookmark the Convergence Hub (login required) page today.

Webinars

Journey to Convergence - 14 May 
Agenda: Convergence Hub, Actions to take, Learning offerings, Completing open classes, Instructor Resources, and more.

June
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 7:00 am PDT / 14:00 UTC and 7:00 pm PDT / 02:00 UTC on Wednesday, May 15
Session 1 | Session 2

July
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 7:00 am PDT / 14:00 UTC and 7:00 pm PDT / 02:00 UTC on Wednesday, July 24
Session 1 | Session 2

August
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 7:00 am PDT / 14:00 UTC and 7:00 pm PDT / 02:00 UTC on Wednesday, August 21
Session 1 | Session 2

September
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 (post-convergence) at 7:00 am PDT / 14:00 UTC and 7:00 pm PDT / 02:00 UTC on Wednesday, September 18
Session 1 | Session 2

SkillsForAll Courses Resources Page

The link below gives a list of all Introductory and Essentials courses. Many of the courses are new of have recently been updated. The well-known associate level and professional level course are not shown in this list. During the Summer of 2024 courses form NetAcad and SkillsForAll will be converged on the same new platform.

SkillsForAll Courses URL: Hyperlink

Classes after convergence

All classes opened before convergence will be available to complete. However, classes opened on legacy NetAcad.com will continue to use the legacy (Moodle) experience and must be completed on or before February 23, 2025.

 

AI Security Nuggets

NetAcad & SkillsForAll Platform Convergence

In the following weeks and months major steps are being taken to converge the old and new platforms into one new experience. The previous platform has been in use more than 10 years.

Belgian instructors are invited to the BiASC NetAcad Day and Roadshow 2024 in Charleroi on 31 May 2024. The purpose is to inspire and motivate you and help you to prepare for 2024-2025. Networking academy members can register here

Extended Learning Project: Toolbox and Best Practices

The Extended Learning XL Project offers a toolbox and a practical guide for teachers in higher education and adult training centers. Technology has changed education and we need to focus on the learning processes, inspiring and motivating students how to learn in and outside the classroom. It would be great if you join the XL4HE Online Community on LinkedIn and give us your feedback.

Presentations with examples and references, created by BiASC

• BiASC - XL PROJECT 2022-2024 
  Final presentation (long version 77 slides): hyperlink
• BiASC - XL PROJECT 2022-2024 
  Final presentation (short version 43 slides): hyperlink
• BiASC - XL PROJECT 2022-2024 
  Final presentation (10 minute version 24 slides): hyperlink

NetAcad Course Catalog 2024

The Course Catalog contains the following:

Introduction
Curriculum Portfolio
Course Offerings by Category
Practice Tools
Language Availability
Quick Links

Belgian NetAcad Day @ Charleroi - 31 May 2024

Updated: 29 May 2024, 03 June 2024 - This post includes information after the event.

This year’s IT NetAcad Day for Belgian instructors will take place at Charleroi on Friday 31 May from 9:30 to 16:00 h. The venue is close to the central railway station. When you walk out of the railway station, look to the right and you will notice the building.

During NetAcad Day, instructors and education managers will receive updates on ongoing developments and relevant trends for Networking Academies. Key topics will include the new NetAcad Learning Platform and the transferable skills promoted by Networking Academy and SkillsForAll. The conference is organized in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy, Agoria and A6K Advanced Engineering Center.

Venue
A6K | Open Learning Lab | Square des Martyrs , 1 (Esplanade de la gare) | 6000 Charleroi

Pictures
View the pictures of the event: hyperlink

Article
LinkedIn: hyperlink

Presentations
Download or view the presentations by scrolling through this blog post.

Registration
NetAcad members can register using the following hyperlink 
Starting on 18 May 2024, all new enrollments will be added to a waiting list. Registrations ended.

Talent Connect voor studenten klaar voor certificering

Cisco-partners uit geheel België bieden op 26 april 2024 stageplaatsen en jobs aan voor studenten die klaar zijn voor certificering in IT-infrastructuur, netwerken of cybersecurity. Dergelijke profielen zijn gegeerd. April is een goed moment om met een zoektocht te beginnen. Studenten kunnen informeel in contact komen met IT-bedrijven. Het betreft jobs en stages gedurende 2024-2025. Er is eveneens een TAC-bezoek voorzien. Het is nodig zich ten laatste te registreren tegen 29 februari 2024.

 

De link voor inschrijving studenten en docenten vind je hier.

 

Certificeringsexamens

Als jouw studenten interesse hebben voor certificering, is BiASC van februari tot juni beschikbaar om op jouw locatie certificeringsexamens te begeleiden. Alle CCST, CCNA, CYBEROPS, DEVASC en CCNP-examens komen in aanmerking. Heel wat studenten zijn klaar voor CCST Networking of Cybersecurity. De Networking Essentials 3.0 en Cybersecurity Essentials vormen een perfecte voorbereiding om te slagen voor CCST-examens en betekenen een opstap naar CCNA, CYBEROPS, DEVASC  en CCNP. Neem contact op met <[email protected]> voor meer details.

Talent Connect pour étudiants prêts pour certification

Les partenaires Cisco de toute la Belgique proposent des stages et des emplois aux étudiants prêts à obtenir une certification en infrastructure informatique, en réseau ou en cybersécurité le 26 avril 2024. Ces profils sont très demandés. Le mois d'avril est un bon moment pour commencer à chercher. Il s'agit de stages pour la prochaine année académique 2024-2025. Une visite des laboratoires du TAC est également prévue. Les étudiants doivent s'inscrire au plus tard le 29 février 2024. Le lien pour les étudiants et les professeurs se trouve ici.

Examens de certification
Si vos étudiants sont intéressés par une certification, le BiASC est disponible de février à juin pour superviser les examens de certification dans vos locaux. Tous les examens CCST, CCNA, CYBEROPS, DEVASC et CCNP sont éligibles. De nombreux étudiants sont prêts pour les examens CCST Networking ou Cybersecurity. Les cours Networking Essentials 3.0 et Cybersecurity Essentials sont une préparation parfaite pour passer les examens CCST et représentent un tremplin vers les examens CCNA, CYBEROPS, DEVASC et CCNP. Contactez <[email protected]> pour plus de détails.

CiscoLive 2024 voor Vlaamse instructors

Een gelegenheid om inspiratie op te doen en je netwerk te verzorgen. Belgische NetAcad docenten krijgen één dag gratis toegang tot CiscoLive op donderdag 8 februari 2024. Alle docenten die in een Cisco Academy zijn geregistreerd, hebben toegang tot de Networking Academy Day. Het is niet vereist een Cisco accreditatie te hebben. Het is wenselijk dat alle geïnteresseerde NetAcad docenten zich registreren via de deze hyperlink. Als je een toegangsticket hebt, is het zinvol jouw aanwezigheid voor de Networking Academy Day vast te leggen. Noteer in het commentaarveld dat je al een toegangsticket hebt.

CiscoLive 2024 pour enseignants belges

Une occasion de s'inspirer et de développer son réseau. Les enseignants belges de NetAcad recevront une journée d'accès gratuit à CiscoLive le jeudi 8 février 2024. Tous les enseignants inscrits dans une académie Cisco auront accès au Networking Academy Day. Il n'est pas nécessaire d'être accrédité par Cisco. La plupart des sessions NetAcad se dérouleront en néerlandais. Cependant, vous pouvez visiter CiscoLive gratuitement pendant une journée. Il est souhaitable que tous les instructeurs NetAcad intéressés s'inscrivent via cet hyperlien. Si vous disposez d'un billet d'entrée, il est judicieux d'enregistrer votre présence à la journée de l'Académie de mise en réseau. Veuillez indiquer dans la boîte de commentaires que vous disposez déjà d'un billet d'accès.

NetAcad & SkillsForAll Account Unification phase 1

Click on the image to enlarge

In July 2024 the Cisco NetAcad & SkillsForAll platforms will be united under a new name. The change is important to underline that professional IT education  is much more than just one topic. The platform will provide interactive problem-based IT course materials in multiple domains at three levels.

At convergence in July 2024 there are actions some users need to take before to 22 February 2024. Only those users with multiple accounts need to take action.

No action required for most users
For all partners, instructors and students who use the blue Cisco Networking Academy login button to access SkillsForAll, no action is required. And, for users who are only using either netacad.com or skillsforall.com, no action is required.

Users who have an account on netacad.com with one email and use a different email address for their account on skillsforall.com
If you want course history to be merged in July 2024, you need to change your netacad.com email address to match skillsforall.com prior to 22 February 2024. We do not recommend instructors change their email address as all instructors must use their NetAcad login to have the credentials to open classes on Skills for All so instructor email accounts should match.

Students who have not logged into netacad.com since January 2021
The account of these students account will be considered inactive and will be removed in February 2024. To resolve this, students simply need to log into netacad.com prior to 22 February 2024.

Need More information?
More information online: hyperlink
View this recording for details.

Planned BiASC Activities 2023-2024

The Belgian IT Academy Association & Support Center announces the following activities involving instructors and students:

• Oct-Dec 2023: European Cybercup, Student Learn-A-thon & Hackathon  hyperlink
• Oct 2023-Jun 2024: Europe North Instructor Training: 15 different online webinars hyperlink
• 8 Feb 2024: NetAcad Day @CiscoLive: only in Dutch language (Amsterdam)* hyperlink
• 15 Mar 2024: IT Instructor Roadshow* (Charleroi) => new date 30 May
• 26 Apr 2024: Talent Connect Event* for Cisco Academy Students (internships, jobs @Cisco Channel Partners) Cisco Belux office
• 30 May 2024: IT Instructor Roadshow* (Charleroi) hyperlink
  
  
• 5-6-12 or 13 December 2024: BiASC Stakeholder Strategy Event - Brussels
  
  
• On demand: Visiting your campus for detailed information
• On demand: Proctoring CCST, CCNA, CCNP,  CyberOps and DevNet Associate certification exams at your campus Pearson Vue *** Certiport

* More information will be given separately in due time. It is possible that some dates might change.

It is a good idea to block your agenda so that you can attend the events that you are interested in.

Virtual IPD Week

Every three months Cisco Networking Academy will organize multiple online webinars to keep abreast of the times. BiASC is regularly involved in the IPD Week sessions:

• Journey to Convergence - Critical Updates - 29 November 2023: hyperlink
• NetAcad & SkillsForAll Program Update Webinars - November 2023: hyperlink

If you have questions, please reach out to <[email protected]>