Cyber Security (Cybersecurity or Cyber-Security)

This class exposes students to the field of cyber security and immerses them via problem-based learning. Frequently students will be assuming the position of a cybersecurity professional as they navigate through real-life cybersecurity challenges while paving their way to becoming ethical hackers and build their network pen-testing skills augmenting their cybersecurity skills and its discipline.

Our pathway connects to the NCWF (National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework). This framework identifies standards set by numerous industry, educational and government organizations. The objective of this course is to incorporate most of the educational objectives addressed in the framework as well as the objectives outlined by the College Board (addressed in the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam).

Learning is a complex thing it requires approaching information in different ways. Learning by watching or listening to someone tell you how to do things is a myth. Connecting with your peers and teacher and intentionally tapping into their knowledge by inquiring and doing things yourself is when learning really happens, and that takes discipline because it is hard thing to do. So, describing yourself as a visual or auditory learner, though I agree that audio-visual content connects with your existing knowledge and makes ideas relatable and reachable versus someone just talking about the concept; the fact is going through the process of trying to work a challenge yourself and thinking of alternative approaches will get you where you want. It is a painful process, but fortunately, cybersecurity has a lot of different related resources which you can tap into at no cost. The domain of cybersecurity is so vast, you need to find a niche that connects with what interests you and pursue it. Your learning does not have to be linear at all.

Human biology of learning happens by interlacing small segments of theory and practice together over time (Sleep/space-out/mental-physical blocks are removed when you sleep over things). Absorbing massive chunks of knowledge in short time will not be retained in long term memory.

This course challenges students to think critically, collaborate, and problem solve. They will learn that solving a problem is not always a linear process; it requires iteration and persistence.

Active learning: Ask teachers to assign projects, go through the trial and error of doing it while getting feedback from them during the struggle. The cycle of intentional practice and feedback is what makes you build expertise fast.