Challenge Based Learning in Cybersecurity Education

This paper describes the application of the Challenge Based Learning (CBL) methodology to cybersecurity education. The overall goal is to improve student learning via a multidisciplinary approach which encourages students to collaborate with their peers, ask questions, develop a deeper understanding of the subject and take actions in solving real-world challenges. In this study, students established essential questions which reflected their interests in information security, formulated challenges on how to safeguard confidential information from cyber attacks and then came up with solutions to secure their information and network. For guiding activities, students participated in two cybersecurity competitions against their peers from other local universities. In these simulated real-life competitions, students were forced to work together, think on their own two feet and apply their knowledge to defend against cyber attacks. Assessments performed after the study showed improvement in students‘ computer and security skills, interest in learning security and ability to teach others. Student learning was further reinforced with publication of their research findings and making presentations to their fellow