What is the MOAC Virtual Lab?

➢ The MOAC Virtual Lab is an online computer environment within which students perform lab
exercises using actual Microsoft software.

How does it work?

➢ Students access the Virtual Lab with a unique access code that is bundled with their MOAC
Virtual Lab textbook package.
➢ Students are presented with scenarios, lab objectives, and exercise information that prepare them
for their lab work.
➢ Students launch the lab, presenting them with a desktop in which to perform their work and a lab
interface that contains the directions for each exercise to be performed.
➢ Students perform the labs exactly as if they were working in a physical network lab environment.
They can choose to work through the exercises with a minimal amount of instruction, or to
display brief or detailed exercise steps that walk them through the task at hand.
➢ Students’ progress and skills can be assessed in several ways:
○ Contextual lab questions determine whether students have performed the tasks correctly
○ End-of-lab review questions require students to explain the outcomes of their hands-on
work
○ Lab screens can be captured with a unique identifier for each student

Who developed MOAC Virtual Labs?

➢ The MOAC Virtual Labs are a product of Wiley’s official partnership with Microsoft.
➢ The content comes straight from the MOAC Lab Manuals.

Does Virtual Lab require any proprietary software?

➢ No. It is an online system designed to be used from any computer with an Internet connection.
➢ The computer requirements are a Pentium II processor, 256 MB RAM, a 56 Kbps per student
Internet connection (well below broadband), and Internet Explorer version 6 or later.
➢ No hardware is needed by the professor.

What are the benefits of Virtual Labs?

➢ Students gain real-world experience
○ They work in real software – not a simulation
○ They can practice at school, at home – anywhere there is an Internet-connected computer
○ They perform tasks that occur in everyday IT work
○ They work in the same environment as performance-based certification exams – an
exclusive benefit of the MOAC program
➢ Instructors don’t set up Virtual Labs
○ No lab setup or maintenance

MOAC Virtual Labs FAQ

 ○ Virtual Labs run real software on hosted servers
○ Labs can be done in class or as homework
➢ Institutions can grow their networking program
○ Schools save money spent on lab hardware and software
○ Labs can now be done online
○ Distance-learning courses are enabled

What support is available for instructors and students?

➢ Microsoft provides technical support for the MOAC Virtual Labs for users who call or e-mail
about the MOAC Virtual Labs.
➢ Wiley Technical Support provides support for content issues and for proper escalation within
Microsoft.
➢ Instructors and students can find supporting materials on their Book Companion Sites available
via www.wiley.com/go/moac.

How do the MOAC Virtual Labs compare with the IT Academy labs?
➢ MOAC Virtual Labs are not a part of the IT Academy eLearning Labs package.
➢ MOAC Virtual Labs are different courses than the Microsoft e-learning courses available through
the IT Academy. MOAC Virtual Labs come directly from the printed lab manuals packaged with
the textbooks, and are designed for quarter/semester-length classes that map directly to
certification exams. Microsoft e-learning courses focus on a narrower set of topics, with shorter
durations.
➢ MOAC Virtual Labs are delivered through the same technology and interface as the Microsoft IT
Academy e-learning courses.

How much does it cost?

➢ MOAC Virtual Labs are an additional $31.00 net on top of the standard $91.50 textbook/lab
manual package, for a total net price of $122.50.
➢ Similar packages from Course Technology are net priced $153 (LabSim) and $168 (Web-Based
Labs).

Who Should Consider MOAC Virtual Labs?

➢ Any school offering Windows Server 2008 , Windows Vista, SQL Server 2005, or Exchange
Server 2007
➢ Schools migrating from Server 2003 and Windows XP
➢ Schools targeting remote students with t online courses and programs

Does Virtual Lab have a grade book?

➢ No. Students can submit their lab answers in simple Word documents to instructors for grading.
➢ Students can submit screen captures of labs which include a unique identifier as proof of
completion for labs and exercises.
➢ Students’ progress is recorded in the My Transcript page, which students can email to their
instructors.

MOAC Virtual Labs FAQ

 ➢ Extended assessment and grading is being planned for the next revision to the MOAC Virtual
Labs.

Who should I contact with questions?

➢ moac@wiley.com or call 1-888-764-7001

MOAC Virtual Labs FAQ