Toolwire Selected by Microsoft Learning to Co-Create Distance Learning Product

Toolwire, a leading innovator of experiential learning solutions announces their agreement with Microsoft Learning, to jointly design and develop Microsoft Official Distance Learning (MODL). MODL will be delivered by Microsoft's Certified Partners for Learning Solutions.

Microsoft Official Distance Learning

MODL is an innovative new learning platform blending online classroom training, live discussion and team collaboration facilitated by an expert Microsoft Certified Trainer. Real world scenarios and hands-on labs, self directed study and skills assessments are combined into a single rich and easy-to-use education experience -- delivered right to the desktop. Combining the most effective elements of the classroom's interactivity with the flexibility of distance learning provides the learner with an unparalleled training experience.

"Toolwire is proud to have been selected by Microsoft for the development of MODL as their next generation learning modality," said John Valencia, President and CEO of Toolwire. "Essentially, the student is provided with a technology apprenticeship of accelerated experience, acquiring critical skills while they learn that they can immediately apply the next day on the job." MODL utilizes a unique instructional design that focuses on providing learning in short modules with up to 10 times the number of student interactions and collaborations of a traditional classroom environment and then reinforces those modules through Microsoft E-Learning exercises and scenarios. Students are continually check-pointed on their progress closing the loop from their first interaction through the final assessment. MODL is ideally suited to those who want guidance from a live instructor but prefer to learn at their own pace, in their own environment. It accommodates students who don't have the time to attend a classroom training course and brings consistent, high-quality learning to them regardless of geographic, travel or expense limitations.

Students benefit from;
-- One-on-one time with an expert, MODL authorized, Microsoft Certified
Trainer (MCT).
-- Rich peer-to-peer interaction and support.
-- Real world scenarios and exercises that you can work through at your
own pace
-- Hundreds of interactive activities in each course including game-like
lab environments.
-- Plenty of time between sessions to study and absorb course materials.
-- Individualized assessments that include detailed instructor feedback
and scored results.

For enterprise customers MODL can;
-- Provide affordable, unified training, to a geographically dispersed
workforce without the expense of travel
-- Assure that your employees don't lose valuable and productive work
time by spending endless hours in a classroom
-- Enhance employee productivity with high quality and engaging training
-- Provide just-in-time access to live non-production systems for
hands-on experience and troubleshooting mission critical applications

A Day in the Life

The unique scenario exercises are the cornerstone of the Microsoft Official Distance Learning program. Each scenario is designed for a specific IT role, and provides the student with access to a live server to perform "day-in-the-life" tasks in real world environments. Using scenarios, students translate realistic requests from co-workers (via phone, e.Mail, meetings) into network administration solutions. These solutions are then implemented on live servers, application platforms, and desktops. Students learn and practice in an engaging, production-like environment. For example, in a help-desk scenario the student's 'desktop' would include a phone, computer with e-mail and pager. The scenario guides the student through tasks that are specific to real help-desk situations. They gather relevant data and apply them to a problem that is solved in a hands-on lab with a live server.

"Our customers demand and deserve the best learning content, delivered at the right time, in a way that meets their needs," said Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning. "MODL takes the online learning experience to the next level and, with Toolwire's Day-in-the-Life scenarios as the centerpiece, provides a truly engaging learning experience that blends the online and offline learning environments seamlessly."

More information about MODL can be obtained at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/modl

About Toolwire

Toolwire is a learning solutions provider specializing in products and services for experiential learning. Toolwire's hands-on LiveLabs and Scenarios provide on-demand, personalized practice with live systems for blended training initiatives. "Learning by doing" provides the quickest and most effective way to develop skills and ensure ongoing competency with technology. - PR Newswire, UK