WhizzieKit is a training aid, created by OTT, for use on our optical networking courses, to help you learn the key issues involved with planning and designing optical networks. WhizzieKit is the preferred optical network system supplier in the case studies used in our CONA (Certified Optical Network Associate) and CONE (Certified Optical Network Engineer) certification training programmes. WhizzieKit has full catalogues of products, just like you might get from a real optical network system provider, with a wide range of products. However the extent of the information is focused so that it is easier for you to get to grips with during the course, and so that we can easily bring out specific learning points. We can also easily signpost interesting trends and developments. Also using WhizzieKit on our optical networking courses helps to provide a visual representation of an optical networking system, without the logistics issues and time-consuming and unnecessary challenges and distractions that come from using real optical networking kit! Using our own system also allows us to set up a full pricelist for the virtual products. Why is it called WhizzieKit? Well we all know that cats rule the internet, so we felt our network system had to pay homage….. and the name also reflects the fact that it’s a little light-hearted…. all part of making training enjoyable.
You will use the WhizzieKit X-series products on the Certified Optical Network Associate (CONA) course, and the C-Series, CD-series and T-series products on the Certified Optical Network Engineer (CONE) course. You’ll have access to the catalogues for the various series are included on the online course resources and also to video presentations from Sean Power, the Sales Manager of WhizzieKit.
WhizzieKit, the virtual optical networking system, with a physical presence…
But we knew we had to go further than just creating an electronic catalogue of optical networking products. With decades of experience in delivering learning, we know that holding and handling things makes them feel more real to us. It can drive a connection in our minds that helps make new concepts familiar and much less intimidating. So, we brought WhizzieKit to life and gave it a physical presence on the course, with helpful imagery. The trainers use relevant elements of WhizzieKit to hand around during the course when they discuss specific types of components. For example, the Raman amplifier cards easily show the way the safety feature is implemented and show the information flows and the direction of the pump laser power. This helps trainees visualise what is going on inside the cards and the ‘inputs’ and ‘outputs’ that are needed. This is particularly useful for the OSC-WDM cards that are quite complex, so seeing and handling it help trainees understand what is connected to where. And when it comes to exercises and the assignment, then trainees can explore the products, move them about and use them to work out what kit is needed in what order at each end of a system to produce different solutions. This is extremely valuable in promoting discussion and debate amongst trainees. It really contributes to how their understanding develops as the course progresses. WhizzieKit may be light-hearted and not a real system, but you wouldn’t believe it if you were to listen in on some of the discussions between trainees on our courses! A lot of time and effort went into the design and development of WhizzieKit to make it realistic in its function and performance and there are several graphic design features designed to promote understanding. But it has proved to be well worthwhile as it certainly works and has received a great response from trainees. We promise you’ll forget it’s not real when you are discussing the issues with team-mates as you work on your assignment/s.
