Models of integration of virtualization in education: Virtualization technology and possibilities of its use in education

Abstract

At present, virtualization and virtualization technology represent a powerful tool for the consolidation and simplification of vast hardware and software structures administration. Their potential is extensive, considering their employment; they are used in numerous branches and fields. It is therefore logical that the issue of virtualization technology is becoming a priority for educational institutions not only in terms of their internal information systems, but also as a means of solving particular educational issues regarding advanced administration and operation of information systems. The employment of virtualization and virtualization technology in educational institutions may therefore seem not only beneficial, but also, from the perspective of both teachers and pupils, stimulating.However, there emerges a question–is virtualization technology really employed at schools, and if so, in what way? Would it be possible to systematize this employment? In order to find at least a partially satisfactory answer to these questions, a theoretical model of integration of virtualization in education was designed, its aim being to systematize and describe possibilities of the said employment in education. In order to prove the model, a research was carried out, aimed at the explanation of the current state of employment of virtualization technology at school facilities as well. The submitted study deals with the description of both the designed model and the theoretical bases, which led to its composition (including the preparation, course, and results of the realized research).