Preparation and Delivery of Material for Special Topics in Information Assurance Courses at an Undergraduate and Graduate level

Abstract

I produced coursework for the undergraduate course Penetration Testing and the graduate course Reverse Engineering. The Spring 2017 trimester was the first time that either of the courses had been given. This presented a challenge in the need to dominate the material beforehand, to divide topics in a way that would facilitate the introduction of more complex material, and finally to present the information in an organized manner that will allow the students to digest and comprehend it. As both classes progressed, there was a continual need for change and adaption to the students’ progression of understanding. Some of the course material needed extending while others were quickly dominated. What was most noticeable and the best approach, was providing the students with hands-on exercises to be completed in class, and ensuring that they had all the tools necessary to accomplish it. Active learning and engaging exercises were the keys to success. For the Penetration Testing course, the National Cyber League competition was an invaluable resource.