Free for all, Free for everyone!
The Open University Cisco ASC (Academy Support Centre) is designed around a community led freedom for all model. We act as a first among many equals, with over 400+ directly supported organisations and 18,000+ teacher members of our ever growing community.
We are free for everyone, it is free to connect to us, free to join and you can remain within the Cisco NetAcad program forever for free. We offer free instructor training via our affiliated ITC (Instructor Training Centre) - however, this is dependent on external funding, or the willingness of collaborative partners, so can never be guaranteed. We work with several Cisco Instructor Trainers who lend their skills to our outreach.
In addition - we operate as an incubator 'omni' ASC , supporting the collaborative development of other ASC's in the UK and internationally. Currently working with over seven unique organisations, to create new ways of teaching digital technologies. Along with a selection of other collaborative organisations. This gives us the opportunity to enable support for at least another 100 Cisco Academies.
A common question - often asked is 'why do we need an ASC'. Simply put, we offer the community led support that makes the difference. Enabling all of our Cisco Academies to access the certification ready content. Also, giving everyone the chance to make the most of the 2000+ hours of free content within the Cisco NetAcad programme. As well as develop your colleagues teaching practice.
It is also important to note that all Cisco Academies cannot offer CCNA, IT Essentials, CyberOps, DevNet, CCNP or NetSec without being connected to an ASC. So, having it for free - is logical.
To learn in greater detail about what we offer, how we offer it and who we are - read on!
Who - OU?
The Open University (often referred to as the OU) has been active as a Cisco Academy since 2003 - first teaching students at scale via distance learning from 2005. From inception, to date - we have reached in excess of 30,000 of our own students. Typically reaching around 4000+ any given year across many associated subjects.
We currently teach from the Cisco NetAcad portfolio - Python, Linux Unhatched, CyberSecurity Essentials, Networking Essentials, Network Security, CyberOps, DevNet, CCST elements, CCNP and our core cohort of CCNA R+S. This changes over time, however the CCNA remains at the core of what we have been offering students since 2005.
The Open University, chartered in 1969 is focussed on widening participation in higher education via distance learning. At any moment, we typically have between 170,000 to 200,000 students studying with us on undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees as well as short courses. There are many other accomplishments, but rather than reading our opinion of the OU, take a look at this WikiPedia page and form your own view.
What is NetAcad!
NetAcad is a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme offered by Cisco. It has been active for over 25+ years - starting in the late 1990's. Over time it has evolved - covering Network Engineering, CyberSecurity, Network Security, IoT, Programming (in C, C++, JavaScript and Python), DevNet, Linux and digital literacy (and much more).
NetAcad is also the home of the Packet Tracer networking, IoT and CyberSecurity simulator. Combined with 2000+ hours of industry focussed (mostly) vendor neutral content. Teachers of all levels can use NetAcad content to enhance their delivery, engage students and hopefully raise their employment prospects.
All Cisco Academies can access this for free, being connected to the OU Cisco ASC community (for free) improves what you may potentially accomplish, using this tool.
To access NetAcad your education centre must become a Cisco Academy (read the next section). There are many different ways this can be accessed. For the Open University - we are able to support your application and support you for free - offering you access to the full range of resources if desired.
Becoming a Cisco Academy - for Free!
While we are open to all, we cannot be open to everyone. We will help Schools, Colleges, Universities, Education focussed charities and Apprenticeship providers* become Cisco Academies. So long as you are engaged in a nationally recognised education or social engagement programme - we will consider your application. You can be either public or private in terms of your funding.
*However - we will NEVER consider any private training companies solely seeking to offer commercial 'vendor' training.
Cisco NetAcad is a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme, which has earned the considerable respect of the Open University.
If your organisation is already a Cisco Academy - we are happy to allow you to join our community. However, you must help us understand why you are leaving your current ASC or have no ASC at present.
Before you approach us - you MUST consider taking our short <1hr micro course. This covers all aspects of becoming a part of the Cisco Networking Academy programme. As well as joining the Open University Cisco ASC community. The link is below (press the button), we are sure you can work out the rest:
If we receive an unsolicited application to connect to our ASC. We will accept it, only on the principle that we will treat this with caution and evaluate who you are, the value of the organisation you represent and your compatibility with the values of the Open University.
Any applications deemed to be rouge, will be reported to Cisco with a request to 'freeze' or 'deactivate' the academy.
Who are the OU Cisco ASC?
We are a collective of 'interested' academics, instructors and educators. Engaged, and focussed on the development of teachers and educational institutions. With a keen interest in Linux, Networking, Programming and CyberSecurity amongst many other disciplines. Below is a combined 100+ years of experience - which is a small drop in an ocean of community experience.
Andrew is a senior lecturer and works full time for the Open University in the STEM faculty. He leads the ASC - having over 25+ years of extensive NetAcad experience and even more in teaching and industry expertise.
Amel is a senior lecturer, Director of Research and also works full time for the Open University in the STEM faculty. She leads the CA (Cisco Academy) - having over ten years experience of research and professional practice within network engineering and computer science.
Kevin has since succumbed to cancer, in April 2022 - He was an integral part of the OU Cisco ASC ecosystem since inception - it is only right that we recognise the essential work he did to help the development of Cisco Instructors.
Robert has been working in the networking, systems support industry for 30+ years. He runs his own technology company and has been involved in supporting the low cost resourcing of some of our Cisco Academies. Along side our immensely popular 'day schools' for our own students, enabling the delivery of networking practical skills around the UK.
David has worked in FE and HE in Scotland for over 20+ years. Now part of the OU Cisco ASC team, he is supporting the longer term development of a Scottish NetAcad.
Within our full team, there are other protagonists - including Amaninder, supporting work within Schools, Colleges and impact research, Phil a former CAS Master teacher, supporting work with CAS and NCCE, David (you met), Amel (you met) and Andy who supports our PG CCNP and UG entry level Networking.
We are all volunteers, with no obligation or commitment to offer any support.
Collaborating ASC's
We make it no secret that we are working with other ASC's to develop community, opportunity and digital technologies experience for educators and students alike.
Our ambition is to share our community and collectively develop new opportunities and additional communities for education in the UK. While offering mutual benefit, for each organisation and those they support.
Currently - we are working with:
- University of Wales: Trinity St David
- UCEN Manchester
- NI Incubator
- Scottish Academies
- University of Westminster
- Truro and Penwith College
- University of Bedfordshire
- Leicester College
- Newcastle College Group
- CAS (Computing at School) + STEM Learning
- University of Greenwich
- African Child Academy
This typically means are reach is in excess of 500+ Cisco Academies, however - modesty and honesty prevents us from claiming this. We measure the impact and understand that local strategic partners are the route to growth for everyone.
The Community!
This is no cliche, for the OU Cisco ASC - community is everything. We are stronger through each member and we know that our community benefits from our collective effort.
Free - means that we hope that you may contribute. As each of these contributions adds to our community knowledge base, as we share with others. As you can see from the previous link: we are willing to share our open resources with anyone - irrespective of affiliation.
Once your Cisco Academy is a member of our community - you will receive our (not very exciting) monthly newsletter. Which regularly shares new resources, additional opportunities and early information regarding our free instructor courses.
Often we champion the community and share experiences from Schools, Colleges, Apprenticeship providers and Universities. This also includes education focussed charities, as well as from some of our more unconventional centres.
While we are UK centric and growing - we do work with some other Cisco ASC's and open to collaboration. Our offer is primarily for the UK it is also for anyone anywhere. So long as you are aware that we intend to focus on our core UK community.
For the OU Cisco ASC team it is about participation through partnership. As a university, we are open to explore international collaborative and development opportunities. Once we have formed an informal relationship and suitable corporate trust. We are more than willing to introduce you to our colleagues focussed on global development and explore what may be accomplished.
Meanwhile - if you are looking for resources, we willingly share these with everyone inside and outside of our community. Feel free to enrol via the link below this paragraph.
Instructor Training!
Yes, it isn't too good to be true. We do offer Cisco Instructor training for free. However, you must be aware:
- It is partially dependent on external funding or the good will of collaborative organisations - this is variable and cannot be predicted.
- We run all training as remote hybrid MOOC's
- It will run to our demand driven timescales - we will not change delivery to suit any specific local need
- We now offer Instructor Training as a rolling programme.
- We are UK centric, we are happy for anyone, anywhere to participate. However - our focus is within the UK timezone.
- Ours courses are all in English - if you require another language, you must seek support from others.
- We will work with other ITC's to offer free Instructor training
However, regarding our free training - you do not have to be part of our ASC community. It does help - as you will learn about each new course via our (not very exciting) monthly newsletter. We are focussed on giving it away to everyone. To find out more, press the button below:
Cisco allows all CA's (Cisco Academies) to use any ITC's (instructor training centres) ... if what the OU Cisco ASC/ITC offers isn't suitable. You may use the Academy Locator provided by NetAcad to explore alternate offers.
Social Media!
We are an extensively social media focussed ASC - using Facebook and Facebook Live as primary support tools for our expanding community.
You are more than welcome to come, take a look and follow our page. We are active most days - sharing content, tips and updates. As well as using Facebook Live for our recorded instructor training webinars.
Often you will discover new opportunities and resources first - via social media.
Premier+ ...
Our work with the wider Cisco community has garnered recognition from Cisco. For both our ASC and ITC, we have been privileged to have received the following awards.
ASC Premier+
- 2025 Premier+
- 2023/2024 Premier+
- 2022/2023 Premier+
- 2021/2022 Premier+
- 2020/2021 Premier+
- 2019/2020 Premier+
- 2018/2019 Premier+
- 2017/2018 Premier+
- 2016/2017 Premier+
Which impresses us, as latecomers to the ASC/ITC scene - only joining in 2014 post academy transformation in 2013. We can clearly see that our model is demonstrating participation and growth.
Note: Since convergence in late 2024, Cisco have moved to a calendar year start, when presenting this award.
ITC Premier+
Cisco introduced this award in 2018, running for two years before merging it with the ASC award - we are humbled to have become one of the first globally to attain this recognition. Having gained a second accolade the following year.
- 2018/2019 Premier+
- 2017/2018 Premier+
Above and Beyond
Andrew Smith received additional recognition from Cisco in 2018 for his work around instructor development at scale - probably because he is an iconoclast! As well as the Regional Quarterly Spotlight award for work 'teaching teachers' in collaboration with the Institute of Coding.
Also, for 2019 - Amel Bennaceur received on behalf of our Open University Cisco Academy two awards, one for our Cisco Academy (under the ASC) going above and beyond. Another for Employability - helping ensure that our students are ahead of the pack gaining Cisco certifications on course completion.
The OU ASC was also recognised during October 2019 - for being a Career Ready ITC and championing Women into IT. A little shell shocked, we seem to have acquired six different awards during 2019 - Andrew, Amel and the team are probably going to avoid any attempt at beating this.
Being the Bridge 2021
With no specific awards offered anywhere by Cisco NetAcad during the height of the pandemic, during 2020. Andrew Smith was recognised for his outreach and engagement work in 2021.
Membership not Partnership
You are members of the Cisco NetAcad programme - your primary legal relationship is with Cisco. The Open University is also a member of this programme. Joining the OU Cisco ASC - does NOT infer any form of legal, binding or non-binding partnership with the Open University.
If any affiliated Cisco Academy - who is a member of our OU Cisco ASC community. Declares in any form, partnership with the Open University - we will immediately suspend our free support relationship and remove any accredited ASC contacts under NetAcad. Limiting your ability to deliver Cisco content at your Cisco Academy.
Our goals!
Our primary goal is to be a foundation for community development, within the sphere of vocational computer science within the UK and beyond. To accomplish this, we intend to:
- Engage with key provocateurs focused on reaching underserved communities
- Offer services from the OU at large, as a fulcrum for educational development
- Ignore the confines of conventional wisdom and approach change with iconoclastic zeal
- Create future community leaders by virtue of community development
- Overcome anachronistic mind sets and practices
- Engage with the wider vendor community
- Disrupt when disruption is required
Questions? Any questions?
We like to think that we have covered everything. Chances are we have not or there is something unique that we have not considered that you would like to ask.
Click on the button below to ask a question or enquire about becoming a Cisco Academy with the OU Cisco ASC. We maintain the following pool address, which is accessed by multiple colleagues. So please do not share any confidential information - we will reply from our Open University email accounts.
How we self support
The OU Cisco ASC uses a range of different funding sources, from Cisco, UFI VocTech Trust, DfE, Development Agencies, Erasmus+, etc to underpin the out of pocket costs of our outreach at no direct cost to the University. Therefore, supporting our free offer, via funding from other organisations.
Over time, we have been able to use alternate resources - to support others, travel and reach our community. This, to date has been done in collaboration with a range of collaborative partners.
OU Growth
When the OU Cisco Academy became an ASC in 2014, we had around 600 students studying some form of Cisco resource. With around 400 of these studying CCNA content.
By becoming an ASC and supporting our community, we have seen significant growth - where, as of 2024 - we supported in excess of 5500+ students per annum, of which over 1200 study on a CCNA related module.
Growing our community, supports our growth, our growth supports our community. Which is being accomplished via 3rd party funding.
Credits:
Created with images by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view - "Cisco" • goblinbox_(queen_of_ad_hoc_bento) - "CCNA 2" • PublicDomainPictures - "connect connection cooperation" • aitoff - "jelly baby sweets" • Rawpixel.com - "Business People Jigsaw Puzzle Collaboration Team Concept" • PublicDomainPictures - "michelangelo abstract boy" • chuttersnap - "untitled image" • geralt - "facebook internet network" • TeroVesalainen - "thought idea innovation" • 41330 - "target goal aiming" • Artem Maltsev - "Hands that wants to know" • freshidea - "United diversity and unity partnership as heart hands in a group of diverse people connected together shaped as a support symbol expressing the feeling of teamwork and togetherness" • lovelyday12 - "soybean growth in farm with green leaf background. agriculture plant seeding growing step concept"