Chesapeake has consistently been a complete resource for learning solutions that work. Our ability to customize a training program using our world-class staff of networking experts, coupled with the latest tools and techniques for training, has been a big reason for our success. Chesapeake is proud to announce that we are the first Cisco Training Partner to offer a revolutionary web-based training service: vLab. Developed by Mentor Labs, vLab provides online access to real Cisco gear and lab content written by networking experts. vLab provides unprecedented flexibility to customize training solutions for corporations and individuals. When combined with Chesapeake’s Instructor-Led Training (ILT), vLab offers a new way to balance the cost and effectiveness of training for each situation.

Flexibility in Learning

The goal of network training is to learn a skill and to understand the associated technology. However, not everyone learns in the same way and not every student needs the same information. Some people learn best by reading, some by doing, some are visual thinkers, while others learn best from presentations. By having multiple learning options from a single source, the individual or manager can choose a combination of resources that is optimized for each unique situation. Chesapeake works with customers to tailor the right combination of ILT and vLabs to allow students to focus on what they need to know, when they need it, and in the format that’s best for them.

vLab as an Enhancement to ILT

vLab can be combined with Chesapeake’s ILT in a number of ways. One way is to use vLab to help choose which Chesapeake courses to take. By using vLab to assess weak areas in their base of knowledge, students can select which Chesapeake courses will best address their needs. Students can use vLab to brush-up on skills from a prior Chesapeake course to practice prerequisites to what will be taught in the classroom. vLab can also be used after a course to refresh and reinforce knowledge and skills that were learned. In addition, students can also take vLabs in between a series of Chesapeake courses to practice skills and bridge the knowledge conveyed in each course.

Another Option: Decouple the Lectures from the Labs

The ILT model is well established as one of the most effective methods of teaching both knowledge and skills. Up until now, most classes entailed contiguous time that is, four to five days of material was presented as four to five straight days of class, alternating between presentation of knowledge and hands-on skills practice. This class format has been driven in part by the need to efficiently use expensive network equipment. However, for many people, such lengthy periods of time away from work sites are not possible. For billable personnel, such as consulting engineers, lost revenue from client billings inhibits effective training opportunities.With vLab, new ILT formats can minimize time away from work by mitigating equipment logistics. For example, seminars, evening-only, weekend, half-day, or one-day-a-week class structures are feasible especially for baseline skills needed by large numbers of staff. Video (simulcast, disk, or other format) combined with vLab can offer the student tailored, effective, content-rich material with minimal work impacts and lowered costs. Chesapeake will work with organizations to customize courses and leverage the advantage of vLab.

Certification

The key to Cisco certification is for the engineer to master all of the technologies individually, and then have a comprehensive understanding of how they fit together. The ability to test and practice along the way is essential. At Chesapeake, we understand this- 19 of our engineers are CCIEs. vLab's anytime/anywhere capability helps the engineer prepare for the certification process. By practicing essential networking skills, and using vLab's comprehensive explanations, the engineer can fully grasp the information and become a true expert. The Cisco certification process can be lengthy. The engineer has to have some ongoing way of practicing skills in order to prepare for the certification exam. vLab provides a powerful way to re-learn and practice the skills essential to certification.

Scalability

Training managers ask, "How can I train a large number of my technical personnel in the installation and maintenance of our global networks?" The answer: start by closely matching the level of training to the depth and breadth of the skills needed for each individual. That means different kinds and levels of training for different people. In a large company or organization, many (if not most) of the technical staff are not on the track towards certification. In the near term, these people may only need to learn the skills essential to their unique job assignments. In some cases, this means focusing learning on certain protocols or configurations. vLab provides scalability to meet the specific training needs of the individual. A vLab is tightly focused to allow the student to concentrate on one skill out of the many skills that may be included in a Chesapeake class. vLab is scalable to address that need, offering value anywhere and anytime to a large number of people.

Content is the Key

vLab doesn’t just provide access to real equipment: it also provides content written by expert networking engineers and instructors who capture knowledge learned from their own real-world experiences. Chesapeake engineers have been working with MentorLabs to author realistic and challenging labs that contain meaningful scenarios. vLab exercises effectively teach the most valuable networking skills, especially those skills that are the hardest to master and the most important to learn.Chesapeake’s commitment is to provide top-quality people and deliver top-quality services. This commitment extends to the delivery of top-quality products such as vLab. Our people, services, and products are why we are your total resource for network learning solutions.

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