Python Lab Activities for

DevNet Associate
- Filling the Gap
Cisco Networking Academy

August 9, 2022

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Programmability
Initiative

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The Programmable Age of Networking is HERE!

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 Interview Process
Base Interview Questions:
We met with:
1. What did you like about the course and/or training? What was a pain
point?
2. Pacing guide – time spent on each module? • DevNet Instructor Trainers
3. Would having one on one time help, ie: Mentor or resource you could go to • DevNet Instructors
for specific questions? • DevNet Instructor-Students
4. What additional information could have been included within the course, ie: • Cisco Systems Engineers (SE)
videos? Additional assignments?
a. Pre-requisites for the (DevNet) course?
• DevNet Evangelist
i. Python – is the first 4 modules sufficient • Meraki Employee
5. What would help traditional networking instructors get interested in this • Industry Professionals
pathway?

Note: Additional questions were asked, this is a snapshot 18 Interviews in total, also received feedback
via email

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Recommended Pre-Requisites from Early Adopter's
• For Non-Networking People:
• Networking Essentials
• CCNA: Intro to Networks
• For Networking People:
• Basic Linux + Scripting
• Python Modules 1-4 PCEP
• Needs to be a bridge from CCNA to
Network Automation &
Programmability
• More labs, applied labs, videos &
demos to help with Chapter 8
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 Programmable Infrastructure: Trends & Feedback
Industry Trends DevNet Associate Course Feedback
• Over 90% of IT organizations are exploring or implementing • From interviews conducted with instructor trainers, instructors &
DevOps to accelerate solutions delivery. This suggests the other industry professionals we heard there needs to be more
DevOps Engineer will exhibit sustainable growth. applied labs in DevNet Associate.

• 34% of all IT roles will require skills that can be addressed by • Additional supplemental content asked for in interviews was,
Cisco’s DevNet training and certification program. webinars from industry professionals, videos & demos to support
the DevNet Associate course.
• Certifications prepare for in-demand jobs​. By 2024 there will be
5.3M jobs globally that align to the DevNet Associate • We need a bridge from CCNA to Network Automation &
professional. Programmability.

• Network Automation Engineer is the fastest growing title, with • Prerequisites needed in DevNet Associate for traditional
the smallest population today, given the focused responsibilities Networkers are Python, basic Linux & scripting. Networking
associated, such as a blend of traditional Network Engineering & Essentials if you are a Software Developer.
Automation.
• Networking Instructors commented on the increased difficulty of
Source: Data created by collaboration between Cisco and the world's leading research the DevNet Associate course and certification. Prepping for
organization.
this certification differs from traditional CCNA Certification as
question complexity is very different.
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Programmability Initiative
• Mission: Cisco Networking Academy’s FREE Programmability Initiative
centers around guiding new and current network instructors into the
Programmable Age.
• Goal: The goal of the initiative is to use multiple approaches to teach and
guide US/Canada instructors to provide quality instruction for student
success. This initiative includes pre-requisite instruction and new hands-
on labs/activities recommended by early adopters. Additional aspects will
include mentoring, check-point activities, webinars and technical demos.

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 Programmability Initiative Summary Timeline
Training
Kick Off

2022
Python Linux/Networking DevNet Associate Cert
Recruiting Training Essentials Training Training Prep Certs

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mentoring/Webinars IPD Weeks

• Corresponding Topic Webinars from Cisco SEs, DevNet Technical Sessions relevant for
Evangelists, Instructors, Industry Professionals Project Participants and Global
• Mentoring Sessions Instructor Community
• Monitored Webex Teams rooms
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Programmability Initiative: Why we did this!

“ Before the initiative offered the Python

training, Python intimidated me. Thank
you, Programmability Initiative for making
me like programming again. Thanks to the
great training, support, and resources, I
finished Python part 2 and passed the
PCEP and PCAP exams, which is just an
example of the many positive impacts this
is having.”
~ Julie Ann Bottorff, Rhodes State College, Ohio

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Customized
Python Labs

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