Abstract: A virtual lab is generated for a underlying learning objective defined by a lab instructor. The virtual lab is decomposed into multiple lab steps. Each lab step defines a portion of the underlying learning objective that can be performed independently. Each lab step includes pedagogical information for teaching a learner the portion of the underlying learning objective and information for specifying a portion of the underlying system that will execute the lab step. A first portion of the underlying system is caused to execute a first lab step. This allows the learner to perform the portion of the underlying learning objective defined in the first lab step. An event generated by the learner's performance of the first lab step is received. In response, a specific pedagogical procedure that is dictated by the event is caused to be performed.