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.

Keywords: Computer laboratory, Application development, Multiple case study, Remote access, Virtual laboratory

Download this article: JISE - Volume 15 Number 4, Page 397.pdf

Recommended Citation: Huntley, C. L., Mathieu, R. G., & Schell, G. P. (2004). An Initial Assessment of Remote Access Computer Laboratories for IS Education: A Multiple Case Study. Journal of Information Systems Education, 15(4), 397-408.