An Initial Assessment of Remote Access Computer Laboratories for IS Education: A Multiple Case Study

Authors

Christopher L. Huntley, Fairfield University
Richard G. Mathieu, Saint Louis University
George P. Schell, University of North Carolina - Wilmington

Abstract

New technologies are allowing universities and colleges to create remotely accessible, server-based laboratories that support the teaching of server-based software application development. However, the organizational and technical issues associated with implementing these servers often compromise the pedagogical potential of introducing server-based technologies into the classroom. The purpose of this paper is to make an initial assessment of the organizational and technical issues associated with using server-based, remote access computer labs in an academic or IT training environment. Given the investigative nature of this research, a multiple case study method is used including scripted interviews with eighteen leaders in IS education and IT training. An analysis of these cases suggests six categories of issues: (1) organizational issues with lab setup and administration, (2) technical issues with lab setup and administration, (3) cost issues related to faculty, (4) student requirements for the lab, (5) faculty/instructor requirements for the lab, and (6) employer requirements for the lab. We conclude that the major challenge in deploying a remote access computer laboratory is the development of an institutional environment where IT staff and IS faculty work together to design, implement and administer the technologies.

Recommended Citation

Huntley, Christopher L.; Mathieu, Richard G.; and Schell, George P. (2004) "An Initial Assessment of Remote Access Computer Laboratories for IS Education: A Multiple Case Study," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 15 : Iss. 4 , 397-408.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol15/iss4/7