Virtual Computer Labs

Learning Technology Presentation

- Kati Hoover

Objectives

Definition

History

Purpose

Benefits

Considerations

Leading Tools

Photo: http://virtuallab.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/j0402013.jpg

Definition

“Virtual labs combine

technology resources,

reusable software environments,

and automation, along with tried and true

training concepts, to enable hands-on

training that can be delivered to anyone,

anywhere, anytime.” (Greenberg 2004)

www.billfrymire.com/blog/2009/10/

What a virtual lab is NOT:

Photos:

http://www.londoncentral.org

www.shapironegotiations.com/virtual.html

Chatroom

VirtualClassroom

Nor is it :

- Screen Recordings

- Software Demo

History

Not much…

Still in infancy stage of implementation

Some colleges have implemented virtual labs

Wiley Technology and Microsoft

Photo: www.goodhurts.blogspot.com

Purpose

Remote Learners

Lab sessions before, during, or after classesCan offer one-on-one assistance during

labs

Photos: sussexscuba.co.uk & mindhacks.com

Purpose (cont’d)

Gives learners ability to try software programs first-hand

Gives access to a different desktop

Photo: www.techblissonline.com

Benefits

Considerably less expensive than true labs

More effective training in less time

Less dependency of IT personnel

Easier to create/alter courses to ensure goals are met

Photos:

http://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/which-job-would-you-take/

featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/

Benefits

Extend area of services

Align training and software upgrades

Use student input/experiences to guide courses/instruction

Learner gets hands-on experience

Photos: www.awalkinthewoods.us & www.jonessoda.com

Considerations

Cost

Usability for beginning learners

Training environment is in sync with the application environment

Photos: www.siliconsolar.com & www.beaverpromotions.co.uk

More Considerations

Initial significant complexity to distribute and maintain

“Need specialized capabilities to manage, control and ultimately ‘orchestrate’ lab resources.” (Greenberg 2004)

Leading Tools

WebEx

Leading Tools

Surgient

Leading Tools

Microsoft Softgrid - Softgrid Demo Wizard

RealVNC