Security awareness of computer users: A game based learning approach

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.The research reported in this thesis focuses on developing a framework for game design to protect computer users against phishing attacks. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the research domain, support the proposed research work and identify the research gap to fulfil the contribution to knowledge. Two studies and one theoretical design were carried out to achieve the aim of this research reported in this thesis. A quantitative approach was used in the first study while engaging both quantitative and qualitative approaches in the second study. The first study reported in this thesis was focused to investigate the key elements that should be addressed in the game design framework to avoid phishing attacks. The proposed game design framework was aimed to enhance the user avoidance behaviour through motivation to thwart phishing attack. The results of this study revealed that perceived threat, safeguard effectiveness, safeguard cost, self-efficacy, perceived severity and perceived susceptibility elements should be incorporated into the game design framework for computer users to avoid phishing attacks through their motivation. The theoretical design approach was focused on designing a mobile game to educate computer users against phishing attacks. The elements of the framework were addressed in the mobile game design context. The main objective of the proposed mobile game design was to teach users how to identify phishing website addresses (URLs), which is one of many ways of identifying a phishing attack. The mobile game prototype was developed using MIT App inventor emulator. In the second study, the formulated game design framework was evaluated through the deployed mobile game prototype on a HTC One X touch screen smart phone. Then a discussion is reported in this thesis investigating the effectiveness of the developed mobile game prototype compared to traditional online learning to thwart phishing threats. Finally, the research reported in this thesis found that the mobile game is somewhat effective in enhancing the user’s phishing awareness. It also revealed that the participants who played the mobile game were better able to identify fraudulent websites compared to the participants who read the website without any training. Therefore, the research reported in this thesis determined that perceived threat, safeguard effectiveness, safeguard cost, self-efficacy, perceived threat and perceived susceptibility elements have a significant impact on avoidance behaviour through motivation to thwart phishing attacks as addressed in the game design framework

Development of mobile application framework based on competency-based education for technical and vocational education

This study aimed to develop a mobile application framework based on Competency-Based Education (CBE) in Technical and Vocational Education. CBE approach in teaching and learning should be applied because this approach is suitable for skill-based education. In technological advancement, the mobile application approach causes students to have their own control in teaching and to learn to be implemented seamlessly and more effectively. This research is a qualitative method that has gone through three phases to form a framework for the mobile app based on CBE. The instruments used are structured interview and evaluators' reliability review form. The study sample consisted of 6 experts in CBE and technology for the interview session and 3 experts in TVET for reliability data verification. The raw data obtained from the interviews have gone through a thematic analysis process using Atlas.ti software. The results show 36 items identified as characteristics of CBE in the mobile application, with the average Cohen Kappa Index Approval coefficient was 0.9 indicating a very good reliability scale. The findings of this study consist of 33 items with seven constructs approved after the inter-rater reliability among the expert. The implication from this research could be used as guidance in the development of the instructional mobile application, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and as an instrument for evaluating existing instructional mobile applications

The Smartpen as a Mediational Tool for Learning Language and Content Areas: The Case of English Learners in Mainstream Classrooms

The use of mobile devices for supporting the instruction of second language (L2) learners is an emerging and rapidly growing area of inquiry. Previous research on mobile assisted language learning (MALL) has concentrated on the development of isolated linguistic skills through a common set of mobile technologies, such as PDAs and iPods, with limited attention given to alternative mobile devices or situations of L2 learning that require the simultaneous learning of language and academic content (Wu, Jim Wu, Chen, Kao, Lin, & Huang, 2012; Viberg & Grönlund, 2012; 2013). In particular, little is understood about how English Learners (ELs) educated within mainstream classrooms choose to appropriate mobile technologies to meet their learning needs, with respect to both their development linguistically and across academic course disciplines. To inform this gap in research, this study used a quasi-ethnographic, instrumental case study design to explore how a group of middle school ELs used an understudied mobile device, the Echo Smartpen, to mediate their learning of language skills (e.g., speaking, reading, writing, listening, vocabulary) and of academic content areas (e.g., math, science, social studies). It also sought to examine how the Smartpen could assist ELs\u27 learning processes with respect to individual learner characteristics (e.g., affective, cognitive, metacognitive). To accomplish this purpose, multiple sources of data were collected from seven student participants, their English as a Second Language (ESL) specialist, and primary mainstream teacher. These sources consisted of technologically-mediated digital data, such as the students\u27 digitized notebooks, as well as traditional methods qualitative data collection, including individual and focus group interviews, and learning artifacts. The overall theoretical framework guiding the data analysis was Vygotskian sociocultural theory (SCT), complemented by grounded theory and the constant comparison coding method (Strauss & Corbin, 1990; 1998). Key principles for the analysis were the Vygotskian notions of mediated learning through physical and psychological tool use (Lantolf, 2000). Findings from this study provide insights about the process of mediated language and content learning with the Smartpen for ELs clustered around three major themes: 1) extended opportunities for language learning through self-constructed artifacts; (2) extended opportunities for content learning through co-constructed artifacts; and (3) extended learning self with the Smartpen. In addition to the main emergent themes, research findings incorporate the participant-based metaphorical concept of time travel as an important sub-thematic element in tracing ELs\u27 use of the Smartpen across temporal and educational contexts (e.g., school and home). Finally, this study concludes with a discussion of theoretical and pedagogical implications for the integration of mobile devices for ELs in mainstream settings, as well as with recommendations for future research deriving from this research

The use of mobile phones in improving continuous professional development among teachers in Indonesia

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonIn light of the omnipresent nature of mobile technology, communities are challenged to rethink the advantages of mobile technologies, in particular within the field of education. When considering the freedom of communication in terms of time, space and subject that mobile technologies provide, governments need to rethink how this ever-present technology can be exploited to enhance teachers’ professional development. The central theme of this thesis is the role of mobile phones as a support system for continuous professional development (CPD) in Indonesia’s national educational framework. As a developing country, these issues are less researched. In this thesis, the methodology uses a qualitative approach to explore teachers’ knowledge as they work in teacher working groups (TWGs), and their use of mobile phones. Twenty teachers participated in this case study by integrating a qualitative data analysis in their design. An in-depth analysis was conducted on seven out of these 20 teachers to examine the deep learning of teachers regarding higher-order thinking skills subjects. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, observation techniques, along with digital media records to provide detailed portrayals of teachers’ mobile phone use during extended periods of CPD. Six themes emerged to support the key questions, which were implemented from the conceptual framework. The results show that mobile phones clearly offer several major affordances for teachers’ professional development, particularly within the national framework and in rural areas. While the major elements of the CPD were rolled out nationally through a government internet-based learning platform, individuals and groups found mobile phones to be indispensable in navigating the requirements placed upon them. The findings have implications for education theory and practice since they provide evidence to support the incorporation of mobile phone technology into continuous professional development for teachers. This research contributes novelty into education systems and to the educational community with an increased understanding of the ways mobile phones can affect teachers in being more professional

A mixed methods study of online course facilitators\u27 perceptions of mobile technology, design, and TPaCK affordances

The increase in mobile technology options for students in post-secondary, continuing education influences how instructors design and implement courses, specifically online courses (Sözcü, İpek, & Kınay, 2016). Much of the current research addresses technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPaCK), course design, and/or mobile technology as separate topics. There is limited research addressing the combination of TPaCK, design, and mobile technology from the course instructors’ perspective. The mixed methods study addressed design for online, mobile learning with a new layer of the TPaCK instructional framework in three phases. Phase 1 involved a pilot study of a survey that measured TPaCK, lesson design practices, and design perceptions. The pilot study responses informed Phase 2. In Phase 2, the survey was given to 33 current online course facilitators from PBS TeacherLine, an online continuing education course provider. Responses were gathered. In Phase 3, a qualitative interview designed to understand online course instructors’ perceptions of their use of mobile technology, design decisions, and the TPaCK, instructional framework was conducted with a random sample of twelve people from the survey participant pool. The threefold data collection process allowed for a triangulation of the findings, which heightened construct validity and comprehensive understanding. In Finding 1, 100% of the online continuing education course facilitators integrated TPaCK in their courses through the use of mobile and digital tools. In Finding 2, 100% of the online continuing education course facilitators made dynamic and innovative mobile and digital design decisions through the creation of supplemental course content. In Finding 3, 92% of online continuing education course facilitators utilized mobile technology in their online courses through an innovative inclusion of both mobile devices and mobile apps. Five conclusions resulted from the study and are discussed. The study contributes to existing literature by providing a 6-point effectiveness checklist, with the acronym “SCROLL” to operationalize for the professional development of pre-service and current online course facilitators

An exploration of smartphone microblogging supporting the device, learner and social aspects of mobile learning within post primary Religious Education

Within Religious Education in the Irish post primary sector, there is little evidence of smartphone use for supporting mobile learning. This research aims to address this shortcoming by exploring our experience of smartphone microblogging supporting mobile learning. A participatory action research (PAR) methodology was employed. Research participants involved one teacher-researcher and a hundred and five first year post primary students of Religious Education from an Educational Training Board (ETB) school. A mixed method design was employed using both quantitative and qualitative data from pre and post online surveys, pre and post-research questionnaires, focus groups, online posts from Edmodo and the teacher-researcher’s own reflective journal. The research question was ‘What were our experiences of smartphone microblogging supporting mobile learning on ‘Images of God?’ ‘Images of God’ is a module from the Junior Certificate Religious Education syllabus. Mobile learning was defined as consisting of three aspects: the device, learner and social aspect as theorised in Koole’s (2009) Framework for the Rational Analysis of Mobile Education (FRAME) model. First, the device aspect of mobile learning examined Edmodo’s technical challenges and conveniences as well as measuring research participants’ perceptions through the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) research instrument (Davis 1989). Second, the learner aspect of mobile learning explored students’ use of Edmodo for supporting cognitive learning, collaborative learning and deeper learning within post primary Religious Education. Third, the social aspect of mobile learning investigated Edmodo as a virtual learning community and a safe space for the students to disclose and discuss their personal images of God that included agnostic and atheist worldviews. The social aspect also provided an insight into suitable pedagogy stemming from relevant mobile learning theories for supporting smartphone microblogging. This research concluded with recommendations for practising smartphone microblogging for supporting mobile learning within post primary Religious Education

Untethered Learning: A Mixed Methods Study of Mobilized Adventure Learning

textMobile technologies now afford unprecedented opportunities, resources, and possibilities for learning. Among them, is the opportunity for students to engage in hands-on, out-of-classroom learning activities such as Adventure Learning. Since 2007, Adventure Learning has developed as an educational framework for using information and communication technologies to connect learners with expeditionary teams where video-based communication provides a sense of adventure for learners. The study was conducted in a public high school where an Environmental Science teacher used mobile learning technologies to create Adventure Learning projects where students participated both fin the classroom and as members of an “expeditionary team.” It was also intended to examine both the benefits and challenges in implementing ubiquitous mobile technologies in the field, combined with the use of student-centered pedagogies in their classrooms. The major questions of the study asked how did a teacher leverage mobilized Adventure Learning to design learning activities? And how did active participation in a mobilized Adventure Learning project affect student interest in the subject of Environmental Science? The study involved examining the ways the teacher leveraged the affordances of mobile technologies to create a hands-on, collaborative, and Adventure Learning environments outside of the classroom. The hands-on learning activities were designed to enable students to gather first-hand information related to environmental science. Subjects in the study included a high school Environmental Science teacher along with 104 participating students. Using a mixed methods approach, qualitative data were gathered through observations of learning activities, interviews and focus groups and artifacts. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys administered to the students before and after the treatment. The results indicated that, contrary to the teacher’s expectations, students indicated a preference for learning through book and lecture rather than hands-on discovery of information in both pre and post treatment surveys. Results of the study also demonstrated differences in learning preference relating to percentage of students participating in field-based, hands-on learning activities or in lecture-book classroom learning activities. Recommendations for future research and for educational practice are offered. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and short time duration of the study.Curriculum and Instructio

The Response of Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions to e- Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic

This study examined how the Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) responded to the e-learning implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It employed the Actor Network Theory that informs the socio-technical interactions. The study employed an explorative case study design with qualitative techniques, involving a total of 13 participants from selected HLIs. A thematic analysis framework was used to analyze data. The study revealed that HLIs in Tanzania have partially implemented e-learning systems and there is limited use of e-learning technology among HLIs in Tanzania. The e-learning implementation is in terms of tuition fee payment, examination results, online learning and presentation of research proposals through mobile technologies and Zoom. It is important for the government to make more emphasis on development of e-learning policies which will increase participation, commitment and accountability in HLIs. It is also important for HLIs to redefine e-learning strategies and develop facilities that will enhance transformations in teaching and learning amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic. This requires good internet networks as well as availability of robust learning management systems. Furthermore, HLIs should establish collaboration with other learning institutions within and outside the country for sustainable e-learning outcomes

Affordances of smartphones and Facebook tools to enhance the teaching and learning of English for English as a Second Language learners

The growing field of mobile learning (m-learning) research concerning the use and effectiveness of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) in second and foreign language (L2) education reflects the possibilities of smart mobile technological devices to facilitate students’ control over their own learning. This research aims to find the pedagogical affordances of mobile learning in combination with Web 2.0 tools with a particular focus on the use of smartphone and Facebook as tools to enhance teaching and learning of English for English as a Second Language learners. Using Design Based Research (DBR) as an approach to conduct this study, the initial design framework was developed from the literature and the exploratory phase. It was tested and developed through a series of iterations and the impacts of each iteration were evaluated using interviews and qualitative data analysis. 37 participants were involved in this study; 12 in the Exploratory Study, 17 in Iteration 1 and 8 in Iteration 2. One of the most important findings reported in the first iteration is the impact of a sense of social obligation whereby participants felt under pressure from their peers to post and to participate. This social obligation effect can have both positive and negative consequences for learning and was further explored in the second iteration. Based on the findings from both iterations, this study suggested a design framework to be used by future research that explored ways in which pedagogical designs for m-learning with social networking can take this social obligation effect into account in order to avoid its negative consequences and make best use of its positive consequences

The Impact of Mobile Phones on Collaborative Learning Activities

In light of the ubiquitous nature of mobile communications technology, society is forced to rethink education. When considering the freedom of communication in terms of time and space that this mobile technology provides, educators need to understand how this ever present communications platform can be exploited to enhance collaborative learning. The central theme of this thesis is the role of mobile phones as a support for collaborative learning both in and out of the classroom. The questions asked are: What is the distinctive affordance offered by the mobile phone for collaborative learning? What is the affective relationship between student, mobile phone and homework? Does the intervention affect the relationship between students, their mobile phones and their homework? Does the affordance offered by the technology lead to more awareness of learning? What is the nature of the dialogue with the mobile phone technology? In this thesis, the methodology is designed to explore the area of collaborative learning and the use of mobile phones as a support for collaborative learning through critical reviews of the literature and a year-long exploratory multiple case study integrating both qualitative data analysis and quantitative data analysis. Qualitative exploratory interviews and surveys are combined with extensive quantitative internet log data to provide a detailed image of students’ mobile use during collaborative activities. The results are triangulated, and In light of current research key issues are interpreted and discussed. The findings of the study support four key hypotheses which emerge from the theoretical framework. First, that there are distinctive affordances offered by the mobile phone for collaborative learning that increase learning opportunities. Second, that the affective relationship between students and their mobile phone has a positive influence on attitudes towards homework when the homework involves the use of their mobile phones. Third, that the intervention affected the relationship between students their mobile phone and their homework by reducing barriers between private and public spaces. Fourth, the affordances offered by the technology led to more awareness of content through an increase in opportunities for reflection. In addition, some insights into the nature of the dialogue with the mobile phone technology are explored. These findings have implications for educational theory and practice since they provide evidence to support the incorporation of mobile devices into collaborative educational situations. This research will be of interest to those concerned with the impact of mobile devices on the area of collaborative learning specifically and the field of education in general. The contribution that this research brings to scholarship and to the educational community is an increased understanding of the ways that ubiquitous mobile technology can affect a student’s mobile-based collaborative learning experience. The integration of these findings into the current body of knowledge may lead to improvements in future educational design and highlight areas which require further research