WLab is a web application that provides a virtual lab environment for any workshop activity that requires the use of a computer. WLab makes use of virtual machines to deliver an IT environment in which a student can perform the tasks involved in the lab exercise, regardless of the local computer they are using.
For those unfamiliar with virtual machines, a virtual machine or VM is a complete simulation of an entire computer system – hardware, software and any accompanying user data. This means that the simulated computer can include everything the student needs to perform the tasks required of them in the lab exercise. Consequently, the student does not need any specific software or configuration parameters on their local PC.
WLab allows tutors to design and publish lab exercises that are divided into stages; each stage contains a complete virtual machine, along with – if required – appropriate static learning material that complements the activities of the lab. Students access these labs through any standard web browser.
If you are an experienced WLab tutor, you probably want the Tutors' Quick Reference.
WLab is primarily intended for use in teaching ICT-related subjects. As such, the assumption is that tutors are computer literate and are able to follow IT concepts and terminology at the level required to teach ICT. While WLab does provides a friendly user interface for tutors to create their labe, and attempts to hide the cumbersome technical details such as editing XML files and/or configuring individual VMs for each student, you will need to understand the underlying realities of what the application is actually doing behind the scenes.
As a yardstick, if you do not understand the instruction
Save the file to the root of the C:\ drive as stickguy.bmp.
then WLab is probably not for you - or, at the very least, you will need to co-opt some additional help in order to be able to use it!
It is also assumed that your System Administrator has already installed WLab in your environment, and made the appropriate preparations outlined in the Documentation for System Administrators. In particular, you should have been supplied with the URL of WLab at your institution, and you should also have been given details of how your System Administrator would like you to make your VMs safe for use in lab stages. If either of these assumptions are not the case, you should NOT proceed, and should consult your System Administrator for advice.
If none of that has put you off, you should go on and familiarise yourself with The Structure of a Lab, and then go on to Planning a Lab. Once you're happy with that, you'll want to author a lab.