Remote computing power provides equitable access for students

Remote computing power provides equitable access for students

RMIT’s NetLab+ is providing remote ‘supercomputing’ power to vocational education students, across campus and from home.

Located at the University’s city campus, the almost $500,000 NetLab+ platform can be accessed remotely from anywhere by RMIT Future Technologies students. 

It enables students without access to their own high-end computing power to remotely work on complex network and virtualisation scenarios as part of their studies.

Luke Eberbach, Program Coordinator, ICT, said providing this level of computing power is critical. 

"As educators, it gives our students the opportunity to address challenges in a way that aligns to current industry best practice,” Eberbach said.  

“We are giving our students a contemporary ICT education and the tools they need to succeed in the workforce."

09 October 2024

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VE teacher Michael Barton and Luke Eberbach posing next to supercomputer Vocational Education teachers Michael Barton (left) and Luke Eberbach (right).

NetLab+ also provides inclusive and equitable access to lab technology for students in low socio-economic environments and remote regions. 

It is helping to break down technology barriers by facilitating access to advanced remote network infrastructure equipment without students needing to own advanced IT equipment to undertake structured and unstructured remote in-class activities and self-directed studies.

Nick Patterson, Director, Future Technologies, said NetLab+ is in-line with the College of Vocational Education’s mission to improve student equity at RMIT. 

Students standing next to supercomputer. NetLab+ is helping to break down technology barriers faced by students.

“The only technical resource required to access and successfully engage with NetLab+ is a basic computer capable of supporting a modern web browser and Internet connection, providing flexibility, equity and opportunity for our students,” Patterson said.  

“RMIT’s College of Vocational Education is committed to making sure that all of our students have access to cutting-edge technology they need to excel in their studies and to be prepared for the current and future workforce.”  

NetLab +allows training to be configured in an extremely flexible way to support on-campus and remote access to network infrastructure, systems administration, virtualisation, cloud engineering, cyber security, software development and web programming training.

 

Story: Nick Adams

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09 October 2024

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