VPL : an online distance learning platform for virtual programming laboratory

The virtual programming lab (VPL) project described in this paper is designed to facilitate Internet access to application software. It emulates a real computing laboratory environment that promotes group learning and project management. The laboratory resources are situated at the university and are centrally controlled. Users of the virtual programming laboratory include students, tutors and administrators of the system. Users can be located at different geographical locations to remotely access applications through the Internet. The virtual programming lab design is based on a distance education concept.||This paper focuses on the design and development of the runtime modules within the VPL framework. These runtime modules provide underlying services that drive the launching of applications, file management and communications services. In addition, this paper presents an evaluation of the performance of the system.