Best practices to design hands-on activities for virtual computer laboratories

In this paper, we introduce a collaborative virtual computer laboratory and discuss best strategies to foster student learning using virtual computers, particularly in information security which requires substantial hands-on experimentation to master the subject matter. Unfortunately, information security topics are challenging to teach in traditional computer laboratories mainly due to restrictive information technology policies. In recent decades, virtual computing has become a promising solution to address the challenges of providing students with hands-on learning experiences in information security. While the literature mainly focuses on technical aspects of virtual computer laboratories and provides ample examples about how they can be used in information security courses, there is a lack of pedagogical studies. We introduce a framework based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle to design activities for virtual computer laboratories. We provide empirical evidence that if virtual computer activities are designed and conducted according to this framework, student learning can be enhanced even further.