ISCAP Proceedings: Workshop Presentation
Cyber Education Playground: Hands-On Activities for Engaging K-12 Learners
Mark Spanier
Dakota State University
Kyle Cronin
Dakota State University
Shawn Zwach
Dakota State University
Cody Welu
Dakota State University
Tyler Flaagan
Dakota State University
Jennifer Schulte
Dakota State University
Andrew Kramer
Dakota State University
Michael Ham
Dakota State University
Objectives
How do you introduce cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence concepts in a way that is approachable, memorable, and flexible enough to work with learners at different ages and experience levels? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about Dakota State University’s approach to K–12 cyber education and take part in a collection of hands-on activities that can be used in classrooms, outreach events, camps, and other learning environments.
The session will begin with a brief overview of DSU’s K–12 cyber education efforts, including GenCyber Camps, the Governors Cyber Academy, dual enrollment courses, classroom takeovers, cyber roadshows, and educator professional development. Presenters will share how these efforts work together to introduce students to cybersecurity and help build pathways into university programs and cyber careers.
Most of the session will operate as a cyber education playground, with participants moving between five to seven activity stations based on their interests. Stations will include short demonstrations, guided activities, challenges, and small-group exploration covering topics such as cryptography, password security, social engineering, digital forensics, network security, and artificial intelligence. Participants will experience the activities as learners while also considering how they could be adapted for different ages, experience levels, time constraints, and instructional settings.
This workshop will be valuable for educators and outreach professionals looking for practical ways to make cybersecurity approachable and engaging. Participants will leave with activity ideas, supporting resources, and strategies they can use or adapt in their own programs. They will also see how individual outreach activities can connect to broader educational pathways, partnerships, and workforce development efforts.
Targeted Attendees
This workshop is intended for higher education faculty, curriculum developers, instructional support staff interested in expanding cybersecurity learning opportunities.
No prior cybersecurity experience is required. Most activities will be introductory and designed to show how cyber concepts can be made accessible to novice learners. Participants with intermediate or advanced backgrounds will also benefit from discussions about adapting activities, supporting different learners, and using the activities in a range of instructional settings. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop.