Abstract:

This paper will propose an innovative method to transform information systems (IS) and computer science education on a global scale. This method will introduce the use of virtualization and cloud computing combined with open source software (OSS) in higher education. This will allow for those studying IS and computer science to work independently on projects anywhere in the world from a baseline image that has been developed with information assurance (IA) controls. Additionally, this will allow professors and course developers to deploy their own customized virtual machines (VMs) to be used with the course. These VMs will host their own customized scripts, software applications, digital books, and more. This will help revolutionize online and on ground education in computing. For countries with limited resources, these VMs will allow for a more cost effective way to deploy training and perform collective research from any location given adequate internet connection. Provided will be a process for developing, deploying, managing, and retiring the VMs in the academic setting.

Keywords:

Technology education, virtual machines, Linux, hypervisors, computing, information systems, computer science.