Explore After-School Educators’ Use of an Asynchronous Online Professional Development for Enhancing Elementary Cybersecurity Education (Poster 6)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 3:35 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research Poster Session

Abstract

This study addresses the gap in providing accessible and effective cybersecurity education at the elementary level in the informal learning environments. To support educators to teach this important subject, an asynchronous Online Professional Development (OPD) program was developed. We explored two afterschool teachers' experiences using case study. Results revealed that teachers employed different approaches to use the OPD, highlighted the flexibility of the OPD and the critical role of instructional videos and implementation guides in bridging teachers’ content knowledge (CK). The initial challenges teachers reported regarding curriculum structure and technology use underscored the need to support teachers' technological knowledge (TK) more effectively. This study contributes to the discussion on enhancing STEM education in informal settings.

Authors

• Zhen Xu, University of Tennessee

• Christine Wusylko, Kennesaw State University

• Pasha Antonenko, University of Florida

• Kara M. Dawson, University of Florida