University Boils Cybersecurity Concepts Down to Learning Game
University Boils Cybersecurity Concepts Down to Learning Game
University Boils Cybersecurity Concepts Down to Learning Game
By Brandon Paykamian
January 28, 2021
Summary
In light of this, the University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security recently launched Cyber Threat Protector, a tabletop card game designed to introduce cybersecurity safety principles to children as young as 8 years old.
The game, launched in August 2020, is part of the university's K-12 Cybersecurity Program, which began in 2016 with Cyber Threat Defender, a collectible card game developed primarily for students in middle and high schools.
"It's important to integrate these concepts at a young age, and doing it in a fun way with a hands-on game like Cyber Threat Protector is a great way to help them learn these concepts while having fun at the same time," Macy said, adding that the university also plans to develop similar games for younger students.
"The response from students using Cyber Threat Defender was mixed. They really enjoyed learning about the different components of cybersecurity, but for some students, the readability or sheer amount of explanation per card was overwhelming," he said.
While these issues are now in the spotlight, Macy said cybersecurity will remain a concern long after most students return from virtual learning.
The overall purpose of the university's K-12 cybersecurity initiative is to cultivate a "Culture of cybersecurity" in an increasingly digitized world.
"There's such a large cybersecurity gap in the workforce that continues to grow, so if we can also build interest in cybersecurity as a potential career long term, that could help them support themselves as they enter the workforce and support the nation in being more cybersecure," she said.
Burleson said his partnership with the university has nurtured his students' interest in cybersecurity and data science.
Reaching K-12 students through games like Cyber Threat Protector is just one small example of how the university has worked to emphasize cybersecurity - a field many of those students will likely look to for work.
The NSCC, which acts as a "Hub for government, university and industry partners in the cybersecurity field," will move into the center from its current main campus location.
Reference
Paykamian, B. (2021, January 28). University boils cybersecurity concepts down to learning game. Retrieved March 31, 2021, from https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/University-Boils-Cybersecurity-Concepts-Down-to-Learning-Game.html