The application of collaborative simulation in component-based technology education

Organizations are faced with the continual challenge of creating and maintaining distributed systems using quality, reliable software technologies. Component-based technologies are poised to have a major presence particularly in a network-centric, distributed architecture. To address this major transition, one must turn to our educational system used to better instruct future systems managers and developers the concepts of component-based technologies. However, there are a number of real-world issues and challenges associated with component-based technologies. This paper identifies an educational paradigm that can assist students in understanding these issues and thereby expedite achieving this transition. Simulation has proven to be an excellent delivery method by supporting a learning-by-doing, case-study approach. In addition, collaborative simulation in which the participants located remotely are interconnected will help overcome geographic and psychological barriers. Collaboration allows the student to be more innovative and creative in learning component-based technologies. This approach provides a sound analytical tool for comprehending the key issues related to reusable architectures and component-based technologies today.