EDU: Development and Analysis of a Spiral Theory-based Cybersecurity Curriculum

在弗吉尼亚理工大学的这个SaTC-EDU项目中，工程教育，计算机科学（CS），电气计算机工程（ECE）和工程学院的休谟国家安全与技术中心的教师和研究生正在合作开发和实施一个独特的网络安全课程交付模型到CS和ECE课程使用杰罗姆布鲁纳的螺旋理论方法。选择网络应用程序的软件安全主题来开发和实施CS和计算机工程课程中的几门必修课程的网络安全学习活动，每年影响300多名学生。调查人员还使用混合方法研究设计进行网络安全学习研究。本研究探讨两个研究问题：（i）以理论为基础的螺旋式学习层次在提升学生的网络安全核心知识和技能方面的成效如何？及（ii）学生在参与网络安全学习级别时，其动机如何因性别、种族背景、学术水平和学科而异？这项研究有助于确定网络安全学习者的特征，并制定针对广泛学生的教育和培训计划（例如，来自不同种族背景的学生）在STEM教育，特别是在网络安全。研究人员计划在计算机科学教育特别兴趣小组（SIGCSE）的网站上举办一个研讨会，与国内和国际教育工作者分享成果。

In this SaTC-EDU project at Virginia Tech, faculty members and graduate students in the Engineering Education, Computer Science (CS), Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) and the Hume Center for National Security and Technology in College of Engineering are collaborating to develop and implement a unique curriculum delivery model in cybersecurity into the CS and ECE curricula using Jerome Bruner's spiral theory approach. A theme of software security for cyber applications is chosen to develop and implement cybersecurity learning activities across several required courses in CS and computer engineering curricula impacting more than 300 students each year. Investigators are also conducting cybersecurity learning research using a mixed methods research design. Two research questions are being investigated: (i) How effective are the spiral theory-based learning levels in enhancing students' core knowledge and skills in cybersecurity?, and (ii) How does students' motivation vary across gender, ethnic backgrounds, academic levels, and disciplines when participating in the cybersecurity learning levels? This research contributes in identifying characteristics of cybersecurity learners and developing education and training programs targeted at engaging a broad range of students (e.g., students from various ethnic backgrounds) in STEM education, particularly in cybersecurity. The investigators plan to conduct a workshop at the site of Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE) to share results with national and international educators.