ERIC Number: ED626739
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Problem-Based Projects: A Catalyst for Enhancing Students' Self-Directed Learning in an Information Security Course
Havenga, Marietjie; Drevin, Lynette
International Association for Development of the Information Society, Paper presented at the International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age (CELDA) (17th, 2020)
Although postgraduate students are required to be self-directed, this is not always the case. The aims of this study were twofold. Firstly, we investigated whether the use of problem-based projects supported students in implementing different cryptography algorithms as part of a group assignment. Secondly, we determined to which extent the use of problem-based projects enhanced students' self-directed learning. A qualitative methodology was followed. A cohort of 21 honours students enrolled for this elective course in Information Security. Students worked mainly in small groups of two on a project. Data collection involved completion of open-ended questions regarding information security and students' previous experiences in problem-based environments, completion of project sheets and narrative reflections regarding their project work. The data were manually coded to identify certain patterns of meaning. Results showed that problem-based projects provided opportunities for learning 'useful things in life' and strengthened team members' knowledge and skills. Problem-based projects served as a catalyst for enhancing students' self-directed learning in this Information Security course, which is beneficial for addressing real-life scenarios in the Information Technology profession. Additionally, an integrated model for self-directed learning skill development in a problem-based context was proposed.
Descriptors: Problem Based Learning, Independent Study, Graduate Students, Technology, Honors Curriculum, Elective Courses, Information Security, Teaching Methods, Student Attitudes, Teamwork, Instructional Effectiveness, Information Technology, Programming, Thinking Skills, Computer Science Education
International Association for the Development of the Information Society. e-mail: secretariat@iadis.org; Web site: http://www.iadisportal.org
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A