Mariotel: A web-based virtual remote computer science lab

Abstract

This paper reports on the design, development and first use experience of Mariotel: a free-software project for deploying virtual remote computer science labs simply accessible from ordinary web browsers. Mariotel platform has been developed during the first generalized lockdown period due the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Simplicity has been the main principle that guided the design and development process of Mariotel. We show that this principle has largely contributed to the quick adoption of this new platform. The system has been successfully used at USPN since 2020. 42 different teachers have used the platform in order to supply ensure 9989 lab sessions, each has in average three hour duration.