Why a virtual student workplace?
In addition to the classrooms, many applications are now also used by students on their own (BYOD) device. However, the diversity of personal devices that students bring is great, both in terms of operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Android) and computer and storage capacity. Not all applications can be installed without problems on every type of device or have different configurations and not every (BYOD) device is equally secured (access code, virus scanner, firewall, etc.). That is why, at the request of the Faculty of Science, we started developing a new service in 2022, namely the virtual student workplace.
In a virtual student workplace, student applications can be made available via a browser under Windows 10/Windows 11 on the student's own (BYOD) device.
After starting a remote desktop app, a student can use the applications without having to install them first or receive a link from the teacher.
What are the most important benefits for students and teachers?
- The virtual apps can be used on any device (laptop, desktop, MacBook, Chromebook) and operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux), as long as there is an internet connection.
- The use is also independent of the location where the student is (Campus, home, etc.) and is therefore no longer tied to a fixed desktop in one of the classrooms.
- The work files are stored on OneDrive (Cloud storage) so they are available on any device. So even if the student changes devices or has a new device, the applications and personal files are immediately available (again).
- In addition, applications can use the (often greater) computing power of the virtual platform instead of that of the student's (BYOD) device.
What are the most important benefits for the VU organisation?
The virtual platform is centrally managed, new versions of applications can be rolled out remotely and the security of the platform is centrally arranged and also centrally monitored. This improves safety.
What is the status of this process?
Currently, 83 applications have been inventoried that are expected to be made available in this way. In a number of test rounds, a subset of xx applications was offered to teachers in a test environment and the feedback received was processed.
In the last quarter of 2023, we also want to make this test environment available to teachers and students to use the offered applications in their regular education, to test whether they meet expectations.
When available for use?
If the applications are tested quickly and sufficiently and we receive the necessary feedback on the delivered apps from the Science faculty, IT can make the full application set available for use in education from January 2024.
More information about the virtual student workplace or the manuals on how to access the testing environment can be found here.
To provide feedback about applications or ask questions, you can email digital@vu.nl.