Laboratorios Informáticos sobre Entornos Virtuales: Un Modelo Flexible, Portable y Multidisciplinar

Abstract

Teaching of computer-aided practical subjects in engineering education creates new challenges. Computers have to be configured to support particular requirements of each subject. Virtual Environments allows the building of a Virtual Machine (VM) tailored to requirements of each subject, allowing flexible, versatile and low cost laboratories. However, the use of multiple VM at a shared computing facility creates new problems, both technical and related to the performance of the class sessions. To solve these challenges, we have developed the Virtual Machine on-Demand (VMoD) tool. It automates the adaptation of each VM to the environment in which it is deployed and simplifies its use to students. As a result, the creation of computer-aided engineering laboratories on a shared computing facility using VM is possible and profitable.