The dissertation study investigated the problem of development of training and methodological materials on selecting and using virtualization tools for teaching Unix-like operating systems (OS) to bachelors of Informatics. The basic concepts are analysed, a working definition for the term «virtualization» is provided. The study develops the generalized systematization of virtualization technologies. Through research on the experience of teaching OS in Ukrainian higher educational establishments, the dissertation detected a range of issues in using virtualization technologies such as hardware and software failures, the low performance of virtualized operating systems, the lack of adapted instructions, dependence on specific computer laboratories, differing conditions of out-of-class work with virtualized OS. Comparison of bachelors' of Informatics scores in OS course showed a generally lower level of learning achievements in Linux than a level of learning achievements in Windows. The study revealed a number of differences in OS courses, including differing experience of using virtualization technologies among the teaching staff, a variety of virtualization technologies applied during a course, differing evaluation of factors for selecting virtualization tools. The research considered that virtualization tools in OS course for bachelors of Informatics need to be selected individually, and alternative virtualization tools need to be used along with main tools. A study on the foreign experience of teaching OS also detected the use of alternative virtualization tools. The concept of informatics competencies in OS of bachelors of Informatics is specified. The dissertation determines the informatics competencies in OS of bachelors of Informatics, which are as follows: know and understand the main milestones, directions and trends of OS development; describe the OS classifications, based on the architecture and scope of application; know and understand theoretical basis of OS structure and functioning; be able to apply graphical user interface of Unix-like OS (graphical user interface and / or command line interface); be able to do network settings in Unix-like OS; be able to install, update and remove software in Unix-like OS; be able to monitor and manage OS processes and threads; be able to monitor the usage of different memory types; have basic familiarity on manipulating file system in Unix-like OS; have basic familiarity on configuring the OS system security; have basic familiarity on system programming on C++ in Linux and / or Windows; be able to get reference information on OS using and programming. The work also defines the pedagogical conditions of teaching OS to bachelors of Informatics. The study specifies the model of using Unix-like OS virtualization technologies in training bachelors of Informatics, containing target, content, technological, diagnostical and analytical components. The model includes the criteria for the determination of the level of the informatics competencies in OS of bachelors of Informatics (theoretical, administrative, programming, self-studying), as well as the corresponding indicators and four levels of informatics competencies in OS of bachelors of Informatics (elementary, basic, intermediate, advanced). The work elaborates the criteria for selecting virtualization tools in teaching Unixlike OS to bachelors of Informatics (conformity of the underlying virtualization technology with specific features of the course; universality; compliance with the license; interface functionality; popularity and support), specifies the procedure for selecting these virtualization tools. The study develops the methodology for using Unix-like OS virtualization technologies in training bachelors of Informatics based on the varied approach to applying before-mentioned technologies. The methodology contains the goal and targets, content, forms, methods and tools. The suggested approach involves combining several virtualization tools for one course in OS to meet specific features of teaching the course as well as individual students’ needs and ensures hardware and software fault tolerance. The approach is based on the following main targets: (1) to familiarize teaching staff and students with a diversity of virtualization technologies; (2) to give an example of combining different virtualization tools for a course in OS; (3) to adapt the instructive and training materials for using different virtualization tools. Following the suggested methodology, the study also developed the «Operating Systems and System Programming» handbook for future bachelors of Informatics and methodological guidelines on applying these technologies to teaching OS to bachelors of Informatics. The work provides experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of the elaborated methodology. The analysis of the data received uses statistical methods, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Fisher's test.
