Teaching Cybersecurity Through Game-Based Learning Challenges (Poster 11)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thirteen
  In Poster Session: Exploring Topics in Computing and Engineering Education

Abstract

As the demand for cybersecurity professionals increases, there is a persistent lack of diversity in the cybersecurity professional pipeline. A common means of diversifying CS related disciplines has been through informal learning. In this paper, we present a novel approach and early results from a multi-year project to design a video game to introduce underrepresented youth to cybersecurity concepts and build self-efficacy in the domain. We present an in-development game and four cybersecurity challenges developed for it. We then present data from iterative design sessions for one of these puzzles, and conclude by describing broader analysis of the other three puzzles, and next steps for analyzing the impacts of our GBL approach to cybersecurity equity.

Authors

• Anthony Pellicone, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author

• David Weintrop, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ekta Shokeen, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Peter Moon, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Diane Jass Ketelhut, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Michel Cukier, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jandelyn Plane, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author