Effectivness of a security portal for improving students knowledge and skills in IT security

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Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Education, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Turkey

Approval Date: 2014

Thesis Language: English

Student: Nilay Pancar

Supervisor: ÖMER DELİALİOĞLU

Abstract:

The aim of the current study was to explore (i) the initial perceived knowledge and skill level of high school students, and teachers in IT security; (ii) the effect of a developed Security Portal (SP) on perceived knowledge and skill level of the high school students in IT security, and (iii) students’ satisfaction with the SP. In line with the current study aims, descriptive research design and survey method was employed. As the data collection instrument, two different versions of the Perceived Knowledge and Skills in IT Security Questionnaire (PSKiITSQ) were developed and used. To measure the initial perceived knowledge and skill level in IT security, the first version of the survey (PSKiITSQ-1) was utilized. To understand the effect of the portal and student satisfaction with SP, the second version (PSKiITSQ-2) was administered to the high school students. In total, 263 complete responses were obtained from students and 22 from teachers for the PSKiITSQ-1; and 132 complete responses from students for the PSKiITSQ-2. Results of the survey indicated that significant majority of the students were neither well informed about IT security at school nor at home. Except three items, which are (i) adding owner information to IT devices with Android OS, (ii) not opening e-mails from unknown senders, and (iii) security-privacy settings of SNSs, majority of the students rated their perceived knowledge and skill in IT security below “good” level. Similarly, except proper use of e-mail, teachers also rated their knowledge and skill in IT security below “good” level. Current study results indicated that SP had a positive effect on students’ knowledge and skills in IT security and this change was statistically significant. Great majority of the students were satisfied with SP.