Exploring the factors that influence the intention to use a virtualization-based laboratory

Recently, laboratory classes of computer network courses are very important in order to enhance students´ learning and activities, therefore, these classes need to establish a suitable laboratory where each student can connect network devices to configure and test functions within different network topologies. In this study, we build a Virtualization-Based Laboratory (VBLab) for facilitating networking equipment in laboratory class. Following the development of the proposed system, an experimental survey was collected from 82 undergraduate students of Department of Computer and Information Science in 2013-2014. Afterwards, we used the TAM model as a framework to explore variables that may influence students´ intention to use VBLab. The partial least squares (PLS) was used to analyze data. The research results show that hypotheses are almost supported, which indicates that the variables influence students´ intention to use VBLab. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings for future development of the VBLab.