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

在弗吉尼亚理工学院的SATC-EDU项目中，工程教育、计算机科学(CS)、电气与计算机工程(ECA)和工程学院休谟国家安全与技术中心的教职员工和研究生正在合作，利用Jerome Bruner的螺旋理论方法开发和实施一种独特的网络安全课程交付模式，并将其纳入CS和ECA的课程。选择了网络应用软件安全这一主题，在计算机科学和计算机工程课程的几门必修课上开展和实施网络安全学习活动，每年影响300多名学生。调查人员还在使用混合方法的研究设计进行网络安全学习研究。两个研究问题正在被调查中：(I)基于螺旋理论的学习水平在增强学生的网络安全核心知识和技能方面有多有效？(Ii)在参与网络安全学习水平时，学生的动机在性别、种族背景、学业水平和学科之间有何差异？这项研究有助于确定网络安全学习者的特征，并制定教育和培训方案，旨在让广泛的学生(例如，来自不同种族背景的学生)参与STEM教育，特别是网络安全。研究人员计划在计算机科学教育特别兴趣小组(SIGCSE)现场举办一次研讨会，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.