DE Oracle @ UMUC

A Flash Learning Object of the OSI Model

Joanna (Xuan) Zhang

Instructional Support Specialist

Center for Support of Instruction

Published: July-August 2008

Category: » Learning-objects

Background

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is a specific learning concept in teaching networking, information assurance, telecommunications, and other technology- and computer-related subjects that has been particularly difficult to convey to students online. It is an elementary Network/IT fundamental, of which students must possess a firm understanding prior to moving on to advanced IT security and information assurance concepts. Also, students are required to have solid knowledge of the OSI model prior to taking industry certification exams and for entering the technology workforce.

UMUC's Security Studies Laboratory received a grant from the National Security Agency to develop an interactive learning object that would facilitate online UMUC courses in the areas of telecommunications, networking, and information assurance. Some of the suggested courses that will use this learning object in the School of Undergraduate Studies are in the CMIT, CMIS, and IFSM programs; suggested graduate courses that will use the learning object include some in the INFA, ITEC, and TLMN programs.

The Center for Support of Instruction (CSI) development team was tasked with developing an interactive Flash learning object that would provide students with an immersive, engaging, and interactive representation of the OSI model concepts. The anticipated deliverable would help bridge the gap between learning about the OSI model and understanding its relationship to information assurance and other networking topics.

Structure of the Learning Object

The adopted structure of the learning object closely matches the conceptual structure of the OSI model, utilizing seven learning modules to match up with the seven layers of the OSI model. An introductory overview module was added to provide an overall framework to the learning object. Each module includes the following learning stations:

• Learning Objectives
• Virtual Instructor
• Description
• Protocols
• Real Life Examples
• Information Assurance Implications
• Test Your Knowledge

Interface of the OSI model learning object

Students traverse through the various learning stations—which include text, animation, video, and multiple-choice and true/false questions—for a multimedia representation of each layer of the OSI model. The interactive learning experience will assist them in understanding the concepts of the layer, the associated terminology, the relationship of that layer to its adjoining layers, and, very importantly, the relationship of the layer to information assurance concepts. The development team used subject matter experts to create the text and exercises for each layer.

Status and Timeline

On May 28, 2008, the Security Studies Laboratory and CSI presented the draft of the learning object to various stakeholders, including university staff, subject matter experts, undergraduate and graduate faculty, and other guests. The responses to the learning object and user interface were positive and enthusiastic. The faculty provided valuable input to enhance the learning object and were looking forward to integrating it into their WebTycho classrooms. The first version of the learning object is scheduled to be released in the fall 2008 semester. Accompanying the release, the development team envisions providing a faculty “user manual,” as the object was designed to be used in multiple courses for teaching multiple concepts. The manual will include suggested in-class activities, possible assignments, and general guidelines for using the learning object to minimize repetition among courses.