Peer Instruction as Teaching Method in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Abstract

Purpose/background: Cybersecurity and data privacy are important fields today. Basic education in these two interconnected areas should already be offered in schools, as practically everyone today can encounter the dangers and risks of the Internet regarding data theft, data manipulation or the like. However, cybersecurity and data privacy are generally abstract, and many people are not interested in such technical topics.
Study design/methodology/approach: To arouse interest and provide a certain basic education, we used ‘peer instruction’ combined with storytelling as a promising method to teach cybersecurity and data privacy. Within the framework of an EU project called GEIGER and with the support of students who have learned data privacy using the presented method, our specific peer instruction approach has been further developed, applied, tested, reflected, and iteratively improved.
Findings: The study shows that peer instruction in combination with storytelling is useful as teaching method in cybersecurity and data privacy. Especially the concept test questions encourage learners to engage with specific real-world situations. The study however revealed limitations of peer instruction in transforming facts into experiences.
Originality/value: In summary, the results presented are useful for cybersecurity and data privacy teaching, but the recommendations must be considered concerning careful preparation and testing.