Using peer-learning and game-based instruction for achieving long-lasting knowledge of cybersecurity in primary schools
Journal
IEEE Access
Date Issued
2024-10-14
Author(s)
Videnovik, Maja
Trajkovik, Vladimir
Vold, Tone
Kiønig, Linda
Madevska Bogdanova, Ana
Abstract
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, cybersecurity education has
become more important than ever before. However, teaching cybersecurity to primary school students
faces several challenges, including limited resources, lack of specialized teachers, and age-appropriate
content. In this paper, we propose a new and innovative approach for teaching cybersecurity to primary
school students, which addresses these challenges. The proposed approach, implemented with 339 students
in five primary schools in North Macedonia, combines peer learning and a game-based approach to
develop students’ communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, and create engaging learning
environments. Upper-grade students deliver lectures and create educational games for their lower-grade
peers, fostering learning communities where students share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from
one another’s diverse perspectives. The game-based approach is used to create interactive and engaging
learning environments where students design or play games to develop their critical thinking skills and
empower their cybersecurity knowledge. Initial evaluation results after one year of implementing this
cybersecurity learning concept, carried out with 124 students from three participating schools, indicate
that students exposed to peer learning and a game-based approach could retain their knowledge, with their
knowledge levels outperforming those of students who received traditional classroom instruction. Moreover,
students have positive attitudes toward implemented approach and believe that it has effectively enhanced
their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills while creating exciting and engaging learning
environments. These findings suggest that this new and innovative approach has the potential to effectively
teach cybersecurity to primary school students, fostering long-lasting knowledge and creating engaging
learning environments. Its implementation can be easily adopted in different educational contents and
surroundings.
become more important than ever before. However, teaching cybersecurity to primary school students
faces several challenges, including limited resources, lack of specialized teachers, and age-appropriate
content. In this paper, we propose a new and innovative approach for teaching cybersecurity to primary
school students, which addresses these challenges. The proposed approach, implemented with 339 students
in five primary schools in North Macedonia, combines peer learning and a game-based approach to
develop students’ communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, and create engaging learning
environments. Upper-grade students deliver lectures and create educational games for their lower-grade
peers, fostering learning communities where students share their knowledge and experiences, and learn from
one another’s diverse perspectives. The game-based approach is used to create interactive and engaging
learning environments where students design or play games to develop their critical thinking skills and
empower their cybersecurity knowledge. Initial evaluation results after one year of implementing this
cybersecurity learning concept, carried out with 124 students from three participating schools, indicate
that students exposed to peer learning and a game-based approach could retain their knowledge, with their
knowledge levels outperforming those of students who received traditional classroom instruction. Moreover,
students have positive attitudes toward implemented approach and believe that it has effectively enhanced
their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills while creating exciting and engaging learning
environments. These findings suggest that this new and innovative approach has the potential to effectively
teach cybersecurity to primary school students, fostering long-lasting knowledge and creating engaging
learning environments. Its implementation can be easily adopted in different educational contents and
surroundings.
Subjects
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