Web-based curriculum as a pedagogic tool for e-learning, in network security

This research investigates the suitability of a Web based pedagogic tool, for delivering network security courses in an educational framework. Our research is based on the Cisco network academy program, a comprehensive Web-based interactive curriculum, for computer networking. We consider the curriculum usage, and views expressed by lecturers and students, to assess whether this method could be usefully incorporated to include specific sections of information security subject domain. Curriculum usage data was collected, by analysing log files of the Web server, which hosts the pedagogic documents. An on-line survey was administered, within the network academy community, in Europe Middle East and Africa. Results are extrapolated, to assess the suitability of the proposed deployment of network security curriculum. The deviation from current e-learning paradigms is addressed, in relation to the use of new technology such as Internet protocol TV (IPTV) multicasting for distance learning, targeted at combining the social context of learning to content delivery.