Praise.k.

Makanyire
Computer Science Project: Enhancing Cybersecurity
Awareness Among Learners at Monte Cassino
Stage 1: Problem Identification

1.1) Problem Statement

At Monte Cassino, many learners struggle with understanding cybersecurity principles and
practices. This lack of awareness makes them vulnerable to online threats such as phishing,
malware, and cyberbullying. The increasing reliance on digital platforms for learning and
communication further emphasizes the need for effective cybersecurity education.

1.2) Statement of Intent

The intent of this project is to analyze the current state of cybersecurity awareness among
learners at Monte Cassino. It aims to identify knowledge gaps, assess the effectiveness of
existing educational resources, and propose a structured program to enhance cybersecurity
awareness.

1.3 ) Design Specification

i)Focus on assessing learners’ knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and practices.

ii)Utilize surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data on existing awareness
levels at Monte.

iii)Analyse the effectiveness of current cybersecurity education resources in the

school.

iv)Propose a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness program tailored to the needs

of learners.

Stage 2: Investigations of Related Ideas

Idea 1: Cybersecurity Workshops

i)Evidence: Workshops in other schools have successfully improved students'

understanding of cybersecurity.

ii)Merits: Engages students actively in learning through hands-on activities.

iii)Demerits: Requires scheduling and resources to conduct effectively.

Idea 2: Online Cybersecurity Courses

i)Evidence: Online platforms offer courses that have proven effective in educating
various demographics.
 ii)merits: Provides flexible learning opportunities for students.

iii)Demerits: May not engage all learners equally, especially those less comfortable
with online learning.

Idea 3: Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign

i)Evidence: at Monte they have raised overall awareness of cybersecurity issues.

ii)Merits: Promotes a culture of cybersecurity within the school community.

iii)Demerits: Requires ongoing effort and engagement to maintain interest.

Stage 3: Generation of Ideas/Possible Solutions

Chosen Idea 1: Cybersecurity Workshops

i)Description: Organize interactive cybersecurity workshops for learners at Monte

Cassino, focusing on practical skills such as identifying phishing attempts, using
strong passwords, and understanding online privacy.

i)Merits:

-Provides hands-on experience in recognizing and mitigating online threats.

-Encourages collaboration among students to discuss cybersecurity

challenges.

-Creates a safe space for learners to ask questions and clarify doubts.

ii)Demerits:

-Requires time and resources for planning and execution.

-Participation may vary depending on students' interest levels.

-Needs qualified facilitators to lead the workshops effectively.

Chosen Idea 2: Cybersecurity Courses during lessons

i)Description: Develop or partner with existing online platforms to provide courses

on cybersecurity fundamentals, tailored specifically for learners at Monte Cassino.

ii)Merits:

-Allows students to learn at their own pace and convenience.

-Offers a wide range of topics and resources related to cybersecurity.

-Can be integrated into the existing curriculum as supplementary material.

 iii)Demerits:

-May lack hands-on experience that physical workshops provide.

-Some learners may struggle with self-directed learning.

-Requires access to technology and the internet.

Chosen Idea 3: Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign

i)Description: Launch a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness campaign within

Monte Cassino, utilizing posters, social media, and school events to promote safe
online practices.

ii)Merits:

-Reaches a broader audience within the school community.

-Reinforces key messages through repeated exposure.

-Engages students creatively through design and content creation.

iii)Demerits:

-Needs continuous effort to maintain engagement.

-May require funding for materials and promotional activities.

-Effectiveness can be difficult to measure.

Stage 4: Development/Refinement of Chosen Ideas

4.1) Indication of Choice

l chose to implement Cybersecurity Workshops at Monte Cassino. This initiative aims to
provide learners with practical knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely.

4.2 )Justification of Choice

Cybersecurity Workshops are essential for enhancing learners' understanding of online
threats and safe practices. By engaging students in practical, hands-on learning, these
workshops can significantly improve their cybersecurity awareness and competencies.
4.3 )Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

1. Hands-On Learning: Provides learners with practical skills to identify and respond to
cybersecurity threats.

2. Peer Interaction: Encourages collaboration and discussion among peers, fostering a

supportive learning environment.

3. Immediate Feedback: Facilitators can provide real-time feedback, helping students

to understand concepts better.

4. Increased Engagement: Interactive workshops are often more engaging than

traditional lectures, capturing students' interest.

Disadvantages:

1. Resource Intensive: Requires adequate planning, materials, and facilitators, which

may strain school resources.

2. Scheduling Challenges: Finding time in the academic calendar for workshops may be
difficult.

3. Variable Participation: Student interest levels may vary, affecting attendance and
engagement.

4. Need for Expertise: Qualified facilitators are necessary to effectively lead the
workshops, which may be a challenge to find.

Stage 5: Presentation of the Final Solution

Presentation Format: School Assembly

 -Content: Present the concept of Cybersecurity Workshops to the school community,
highlighting their goals, benefits, and structure.

-Visuals: Use posters, slideshows, and handouts to illustrate the workshop content
and expected outcomes.

-Engagement: Include interactive demonstrations or activities to involve students

during the presentation.

Additional Elements:

• Q&A Session: Allow time for students to ask questions and express their views on
cybersecurity topics.

• Live Demonstrations: Showcase a simple phishing simulation to illustrate the

concept.

•
 •

• Feedback Collection: Use surveys or suggestion boxes to gather student input on the
workshop content and structure.

Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations

6.1 Relevance to Statement of Intent

The Cybersecurity Workshops directly address the identified problem of inadequate
cybersecurity awareness among learners, providing a structured approach to enhancing
knowledge and skills.

6.2 Challenges Encountered

• Limited awareness of the importance of cybersecurity among some students.

• Difficulty in securing funding and resources for workshop materials.

• Scheduling conflicts with other academic activities.

6.3 Recommendations

• Increase interest through promotional activities leading up to the workshops,

highlighting the importance of cybersecurity.

• Collaborate with local cybersecurity professionals or organizations to provide

expertise and resources.

• Develop a feedback mechanism to continuously assess the effectiveness of the

workshops and make necessary adjustments.

• Consider integrating elements of the workshops into the regular curriculum for
sustained engagement.

Future Developments:

• Expand workshops to cover advanced topics as students become more familiar with
the basics.

• Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the impact of the workshops on students'

cybersecurity knowledge.

• Create a cybersecurity club at Monte Cassino to promote ongoing learning and

awareness.

This project outlines the current challenges related to cybersecurity awareness among
learners at Monte Cassino and proposes the implementation of Cybersecurity Workshops as
a comprehensive solution to enhance understanding and safe online practices.