Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

4-2012

Abstract

This paper describes how a generic computer laboratory equipped with 52 workstations is set up for teaching IT-related courses and other general purpose usage. The authors have successfully constructed a lab management system based on decentralised, client-side software virtualisation technology using Linux and free software tools from VMware that fulfils the requirements of fast "switch over" time between consecutive lab sessions, the ability to support a wide range of IT courses and usage scenarios, low cost, easy maintenance, and a sandboxed environment for potentially disruptive IT security lab exercises. Sufficient implementation details are provided so that readers can build a similar lab management system. The objective is to share ideas and experiences that may be useful for lab administrators in academic institutions facing the same requirements and budgetary constraints.

Keywords

Multi-purpose lab, Computing lab, Laboratory management, Laboratory administration, Teaching lab, Virtual lab, Virtualization, Virtual machine, VMware

Discipline

Curriculum and Instruction | Education | Software Engineering

Research Areas

Software Systems

Publication

Australasian Journal of Educational Technology

Volume

28

Issue

2

First Page

266

Last Page

278

ISSN

1449-5554

Identifier

10.14742/ajet.873

Publisher

ASCILITE (Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education)

City or Country

Australia

Embargo Period

4-1-2012

Copyright Owner and License

Copyright in individual articles contained in Australasian Journal of Educational Technology is vested in each of the authors in respect of his or her contributions. Copyright in AJET is vested in ASCILITE.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.873

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