Abstract
A key inhibitor to effective distance education in Information Technology is providing a "hands on" laboratory experience that allows students to acquire the application and problem solving skills expected of IT graduates. While there are instances of universities developing and deploying remote labs where students are able to perform labs through the Internet using "virtual machines" and other technologies, many have found the complexity and time required to maintain labs problematic and therefore prohibitive. This paper analyzes current trends in remote lab design and explores a design that intends to increase utilization between courses, lower costs, ease management, and reduce the time needed to implement remote labs.
