Element K, a leading provider of e-Learning solutions for information technology and business skills training, today announced that it has purchased the intellectual property for the revolutionary vLab® Technology developed by Mentor Technologies Group, Inc. The vLab technology was the first Web-based learning system to provide IT professionals with 24x7 access to Cisco and Microsoft networking systems.
The vLab exercises allow IT professionals to access real hardware and software and utilize case-based exercises to apply conceptual knowledge to actual situations in a safe environment. Unlike simulated environments that usually provide a guided tour, vLab exercises place the student on real systems where their exploration can take them to different areas allowing them to learn from their mistakes.
The vLab Classroom product enables creation of a virtual classroom environment configured with all the necessary equipment for use in either a synchronous integrated distance learning event or a typical classroom event. Using vLab Classroom for classroom events can help training organizations save between $50,000 and $150,000 on equipment for high-end Information Technology courses.
While many other e-Learning providers have since recognized the benefits of vLab Technology, Element K was the first learning organization to partner with Mentor Technologies shortly after its initial product launch. Element K has offered the vLab exercises integrated as part of its e-Learning service for the past year and will now make it available within its new e-Learning platform, KnowledgeHub, which combines a robust learning experience with a powerful learning management system.
"Truly effective IT training requires conceptual knowledge but also demands practical experience and skills," said Bruce Barnes, CEO of Element K. "That's why vLab® technology, with its hands-on training focus, presents such a powerful addition to Element K's growing portfolio of online training tools."
