Irvine, CA - June 8, 2001 -- A new internetworking game geared towards professionals interested in pursuing technical certifications has been developed by Ascolta. Ping the Router^TM, is a way to practice the challenging skills required for passing the Cisco Certification exams by completing complex, command-based tasks while racing against the clock. It is accessible through Ascolta's website (www.ascolta.com) as a service to the networking community. Motivation is provided through increasing levels of learning and challenge, prizes, and a scoreboard that posts weekly winners.

The objective is to complete a variety of tasks by entering IOS^TM commands. Points are won through accuracy and speed -- the participant must finish the game within the allotted number of seconds. There are 3 levels of games, one for each Cisco Certification level, CCNA^TM CCNP^TM and CCIE^TM, with the challenge becoming progressively more difficult. Each stage has a pool of games that continues to grow as developed by in-house instructors. Prizes include Ping shirts for bi-weekly winners and entries into a monthly drawing for a free Cisco Certification course at Ascolta.

Ping the Router^TM was developed in part to address the concern over increasing ease for learners to pass certification tests with no actual real-world experience. The game is the first of its kind to teach and test the dynamic diagnostic skills the workplace demands. The participant receives experience on an actual router -- not a simulation, and comes away with practical diagnostic skills.

Educational benefits are realized in many ways. Learning is its own final reward. Learning is continually reinforced: challenges grow as new games are added. The increasing difficulty levels cultivate graduated learning, and there is continuous feedback as well as immediate evaluation. Many participants can play the game at the same time, demonstrating scalability, one of the advantages of e-learning. An added benefit is the opportunity to participate in the learning community that emerges around this unique learning experience.

Participants have other opportunities for learning through an online newsletter with information on the latest updates, newest test topics, and specializations regarding Cisco Certifications. On-line mentoring provides students with a chance to e-mail questions with benefit of a response from a certified instructor.

Ascolta is a leading provider of technical education and services focused on delivering quality IT education when, where and how customers want to learn. As a Cisco Learning Solutions Partner, Ascolta offers instructor-led, e-learning, and custom learning solutions. A recent distinction received by Ascolta is designation as one of Cisco's select few course developers. Ascolta's partnerships and affiliations include Centra Software, Irvine Valley College, Telcordia, Corinthian Colleges and Saint Mary's University. Headquartered in Irvine, Ascolta has several other locations throughout California as well as in Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, and Minneapolis, MN. For more information, call (949) 477-2000 or visit www.ascolta.com.