Online Versus In-Person Cybersecurity Education: Learning Outcomes and Student Satisfaction
APA Citation
Allen, J. & Kowalski, M. (2024). Online Versus In-Person Cybersecurity Education: Learning Outcomes and Student Satisfaction. *Computers in Human Behavior*. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108312
View original paper →What Did This Cybersecurity Research Find?
This cybersecurity education delivery study compared learning outcomes between online and in-person students across 8 university programs. Cybersecurity students in online programs achieved equivalent theoretical knowledge scores but scored 15% lower on hands-on lab assessments, suggesting the delivery format matters most for practical skill development.
Key Findings
- 1Online students matched in-person peers on written exam scores (within 3%)
- 2In-person students scored 15% higher on hands-on lab assessments
- 3Online students who used supplemental virtual labs closed the practical gap to 5%
- 4Student satisfaction was higher for online programs due to scheduling flexibility
- 5Hybrid models with periodic in-person lab intensives produced the best overall outcomes
How Does This Apply to Cybersecurity Careers?
Students choosing between online and in-person cybersecurity programs can understand where each format excels and what supplemental practice may be needed.
Who Should Read This?
Frequently Asked Questions
What did this cybersecurity research find?
This cybersecurity education delivery study compared learning outcomes between online and in-person students across 8 university programs. Cybersecurity students in online programs achieved equivalent theoretical knowledge scores but scored 15% lower on hands-on lab assessments, suggesting the delivery format matters most for practical skill development.
How is this research relevant to cybersecurity careers?
Students choosing between online and in-person cybersecurity programs can understand where each format excels and what supplemental practice may be needed.
Where was this cybersecurity research published?
This study was published in Computers in Human Behavior in 2024. The DOI is 10.1016/j.chb.2024.108312. Access the original paper through the publisher link above.
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