Desktop virtualization in its present form was introduced in the 1990's. The concept of desktop virtualization at The University of Toledo was one of major initiatives that the new Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Godfrey Ovwigho, PhD, asked the IT Academic Computing Director, John Cavins, to explore in July of 2008. The main goal of this initiative is to enrich and enhance student learning experience.
Applications and software virtualization is the process of separating a personal computer desktop (its applications, files and data) from the physical machine. The 'virtualized' desktop is stored on a remote central server instead of on the hard-drive of the local personal computer. This means that when users work from their desktops, all of the programs, applications, processes and data used by the desktop are kept and run centrally, allowing users to remotely access their desktops on any device which is capable of displaying the desktop, such as a PC, laptop, smartphone or thin client from anywhere in the world through the Internet. Students can access their labs remotely, from their own computers in residence hall rooms, Internet café, or libraries. Students get all the features they've had in the past, including access to expensive software packages, like 3-D modeling tools and advanced statistical programs, that they need for courses 24/7.
"With desktop and applications virtualization you bring the lab to the students instead of bringing the students to the lab," says Dr. Godfrey Ovwigho, vice president for information-technology and chief information officer. As with any new technology, desktop and applications virtualization brings with it a number of key benefits to The University of Toledo. Students who have used the virtual labs say they like the convenience (available 24/7). Faculty across colleges also say that the virtual lab could be the beginning in a more fundamental shift, one that could change the way technology enhances students learning experience. The goal of the virtual-lab approach is to reposition technology to enhance student learning experience.
This approach is changing UT use of technology in teaching and learning. Over four dozens applications that were only available in physical labs across campuses will be available in virtual labs and about a dozen courses will be taught using virtual labs by the fall of 2009.The university has no plans to shut down its old-fashioned computer labs. IT Department recognized that students will always need public computers to gather around for group projects or to use if they do not have computers of their own. But the growth of old-fashioned traditional labs will be less rapid as the student body grows.
The concept of desktop virtualization and virtualized applications is consistent with the way the Internet and Worldwide Web as a whole is changing the next generation's view that it is not as much about the physical facility as it is about the virtual facility.