Authentic learning environment for in-service trainings of cyber security: a qualitative study

Author(s):  
Mika Karjalainen ◽  
Anna Liisa Ojala
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Singer ◽  
Georgina Montgomery ◽  
Shannon Schmoll

Abstract Background STEM identity has been shown to have a powerful role in an individual’s success in educational environments, as well as on their career goals and trajectories. Historically, however, STEM identity formation for underrepresented students has been hampered by the lack of representation of in STEM fields, which predominantly consist of white males. One educational challenge is diversifying STEM classrooms, both in terms of the students themselves and also in terms of the science and scientists they learn about. Methods We piloted a 4-credit History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science course at Michigan State University. Students were tasked with creating exhibits focused on themes of diversity and inclusion in science for a real client. Using a STEM identity survey, we assessed students’ attitudes towards the sciences, issues of diversity in science, and their sense of belonging to their educational communities. We also had the students respond to various short-answer questions throughout the semester to better understand their experiences working on a collaborative authentic learning task. Results Our results suggest that authentic learning experiences based around ideas of diversity and inclusion can help students develop sense of belonging and positive STEM identities. Students demonstrated shifts in their self-identities as scientists, focusing more on the intersection between their gender, ethnicity, and self-perception as a scientist. Through qualitative analysis of short-answer questions, we were able to ascertain that working in groups in an authentic learning environment helped the students improve their communication and collaboration skills. Conclusions Students’ increased focus on gender and ethnicity suggests that they are thinking critically about how their personal identities intersect with their scientific identities. Additional research would help us better understand if the coupling of authentic learning and inclusive teaching practices have significant impacts on the formation of students’ STEM identities.


Author(s):  
Alya Geogiana Buja

This paper proposes cybersecurity features in the National e-Learning policy. Cybersecurity in the learning environment is becoming an issue that has been considered by the community.  DePAN 1.0 and DePAN 2.0 policies have not been carefully planned in any related security concerns. Amongst security domains in e-learning are authentication and accountability, access control, and non-repudiation issues. However, as the functionality of e-learning is expanding, information must be actively protected in this bigger context to avoid the loss of its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Therefore, the existing policy and guidelines on e-learning have been studied thoroughly.  A very feasible study has been conducted on the existing literature and related works to e-learning and e-learning.  The security threats are also reviewed in this paper.  Based on the established e-Learning policy, therefore, the proposed security features are namely (CSF1) authentication and accountability, (CSF2) access control, (CSF3) protection of communication, and (CSF4) non-repudiation issues.  The findings from this study can be added to the implementation of e-learning in the future.


Author(s):  
Ditte Kolbaek

This chapter presents a suggestion for design-based research (DBR) as a methodology for organizational studies. Although DBR was developed for investigating classroom training, this chapter discusses the methodological issues that are involved when DBR is employed for investigating learning in the context of work. DBR seems to be suitable in this complex context as it is an authentic learning environment. The purpose of this chapter is to provide new perspectives on DBR, including suggestions for guidelines regarding how to conduct DBR for studying learning from experience in the context of work. The research question is: What is needed to utilize DBR to explore learning from experience in the context of work? The theoretical framework is based on Yrjö Engeström and John Dewey's work on learning, and the exploration of DBR is based on a literature review and findings in a seven-year DBR study on learning from experience in the context of work.


2011 ◽  
pp. 1460-1476
Author(s):  
Brian Ferry ◽  
Lisa Kervin

This chapter describes how we used an authentic learning framework (Herrington & Oliver, 2000) to inform the design of an online simulation that included gaming features specifically designed to enhance learner engagement. We describe our analysis of user responses to the simulation, focusing particularly on learner engagement and what the users learned from using the software. Our research revealed that users initially approached the software from a gaming framework, however with extended interaction with the software, moved toward treating the virtual experience as an authentic environment, even to the point of empathizing with some of the virtual characters and downloading some of the support material that they might use in real classrooms. We offer some explanations for this change and conclude the chapter by identifying future directions for researchers who may be interested in this field.


Author(s):  
Orlando De Pietro

The paper presents a technique of interrogation, in mobile technology, of a knowledge base contained in an e-Learning platform. The query is done through the integrated use of an adaptive search engine (ASE) and QR codes. The QR-Code are used to label objects in real environments of cultural matter (eg: museums, art galleries, archaeological sites, etc.). These objects can then be analyzed in more detail during a real learning activity (situated learning and authentic learning). The knowledge base of the virtual learning environment (VLE), is interrogated through a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) which, through an appropriate decoder software, interprets the instructions contained in a QR label previously positioned on the object actually observed by the learner (eg, during a visit to a museum). ASE combines to the data contained in the QR-Code those relating to the user who performs the query (previously recognized via the log-in on the e-Learning platform), therefore, extracts information about the observed object, adapting to the profile of the user-learner. With the help of these tools the learner can expand his real learning experience, while interacting with a virtual learning environment. In this way, situated and authentic learning activities can be upgraded and virtualized, maturing a significative educational experience with the use of intuitive and user friendly digital tools.


Author(s):  
Shirley Agostinho

The use of characters to present tasks and critical information in a simulated environment has proven to be a useful strategy in the creation of more authentic learning environments online. Such characters can not only perform the role of setting and structuring tasks within the fictitious scenario, but also that of providing useful and realistic guidance. This chapter describes a learning environment designed to create an authentic context for learning evaluation skills and strategies appropriate to technology-based learning settings. The subject in which this approach was adopted was a masters-level course in evaluation of technology-based learning environments. The chapter focuses on the use of a fictitious CEO (chief executive officer) who requests certain evaluation tasks of “employees.” Students are given realistic jobs with realistic parameters, and in this way the subject is dealt with in a much more authentic manner than if presented in a more decontextualised way. The rationale for adopting the approach is described together with a description of how it was implemented and summary findings of an evaluation of the approach.


Author(s):  
Greg Parry ◽  
Clive Reynoldson

This chapter discusses a postgraduate economics program that forms a core part of a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree course. The program has been structured so as to create a learning environment in which students construct an understanding of economics through a semester-long, authentic learning task — specifically the development of a competitive strategy for a business in which they have a personal interest. The curriculum, teaching and learning activities and assessment are aligned in such a way that they all contribute to the achievement of this task. The authors have observed that this approach has resulted in greater student engagement and a deeper conceptualisation of the role of economics in business as compared to the traditional approaches to teaching economics in MBA programs.


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