The WVU/WVUIT distributed laboratory for computer-based instructional technologies (DLCIT)

Summary form only given. This paper describes a collaborative facility for the development of distance learning and computer-based educational modules. The facility consists of a distributed laboratory of two physically separated sites, one located at and managed by the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (CEMR) at West Virginia University and the other located at and managed by the College of Engineering (COE) at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. The two sites, though physically separated, pursue cooperative and compatible educational programs, stimulating effective deployment of distance learning between WVU and WVUIT. The facility provides a research, development, and verification laboratory providing technical assistance for the deployment of computer-based educational modules using a coherent framework by educators in WVU and WVUIT. This includes a collaborative investigation based on Web technologies of advanced hardware, software, database, and delivery components for emerging and future computer-based educational modules. Given the substantial development effort internationally to extend the Web as the basic interface for distributed information systems, it is appropriate to adopt the Web technologies as the primary user interface and primary server interface for computer-delivered education. The organization of the facility, hardware and software resources, as well as on going and future projects are described.