Exploring the CELF — An Innovative Cyber Engineering Learning Facility
Jason M. Pittman · 2020
This innovative practice work-in-progress study presents the technical architecture and pedagogical design from a new type of laboratory environment intended to resolve an experiential disconnect between students and educators or instructional designers. The cybersecurity laboratory exercise is a common feature in computing education. Researchers and instructional designers suggest these laboratory exercises are constructivist by nature and impart an active learning experience. However, students report an overtly objectivist perspective when asked about how they use the same laboratories. More specifically, whereas traditional laboratory exercise designs are theme parks in game design terms, the Cyber Engineering Learning Facility (CELF) is designed and implemented as a sandbox. To that end, the CELF uses the pedagogical concept of a phenomenarium and first principles of cyber science to engender a full stack Bloom's taxonomy experience. Preliminary results suggest the CELF design and implementation is operating as intended but with room for additional innovation. To that effect, we present analysis of the infrastructure utilization as well as analysis of student perceptions. Further, we discuss limitations of the current CELF design along with several avenues for future innovation.