CollegeComputing@NOVA

March 20, 2025 / @NOVA

Did you know that College Computing offers a virtual computer lab for students? Since 2020, students have been able to use virtual desktops to access an array of software resources both on and off campus. These virtual desktops can be accessed through a student’s personal device from almost anywhere, as long as a high-speed internet connection is available.   

What is a virtual computer lab?
A virtual computer lab (VCL) is an online platform that allows students to access specialized software and computing resources from anywhere using their own devices. Unlike traditional labs, which require physical space, a virtual lab provides remote access to applications required for a range of courses at NOVA, not just technology courses. This ensures that all students, regardless of their field of study, can use the tools they need without being limited by location or personal device capabilities.

Programs supported by the VCL
Today, the VCL provides computer and software resources for the following academic programs and offices:

  • Medical Education
    • Dental Hygiene 
  • Information and Engineering Technologies
    • Cybersecurity
    • Essentials (ITE)
    • Programming (ITP)
    • Networking (ITN)
    • Database (ITD)
  • Student services (kiosk for student registration)
  • Library services (standard computer lab software)
  • Various applications including AutoCAD, Revit, Maple, SPSS and Multisim

During peak periods, NOVA’s VCL averages 200 concurrent student sessions per weekday, with an average of 8,000 sessions per month. There are plans to expand the VCL to the divisions of Mathematics, Science, Technologies & Business (MTSB) and Languages, Arts and Social Sciences (LASS) when the Seefeldt building on the Woodbridge Campus reopens in Fall 2025.

Benefits of a VCL
The college has realized both operational and cost efficiencies through the VCL, including the replacement of more than 700 physical computers with cost-effective Raspberry Pi thin clients.

Beyond the college’s savings on hardware, however, students benefit from ubiquitous access to critical computer lab resources. The centralized management of virtual desktops allows for streamlined patching, which strengthens security protocols, and rapid provisioning and deprovisioning facilitate on-demand deployments and improved resource allocation. 

What’s next for the VCL?
As virtual desktop technology evolves, College Computing at NOVA will continue to focus on innovative solutions, including exploring Desktop as a Service (DaaS) options and collaborating with the VCCS to assess its VCL offerings.

Learn more about NOVA’s virtual computer lab and give it a test drive! You can log in using your myNOVA credentials. If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Ryan, director of IT Enterprise Operations.

—Dr. Chad Knights, vice president, IET and College Computing