Building Tomorrow's Information Assurance Workforce through Experiential Learning

The Department of Computer and Information Technology (CIT) at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) has built a comprehensive and experience-based learning environment. Students coming to the department seeking knowledge and skills in the areas of networking and security are exposed to traditional learning methodologies focusing on terms, concepts and history of the subject matter. In addition to this, students gain practical knowledge and capture experience-based lessons in the field of networking and security. Through class work and outside projects students are given opportunities to gain valuable and relevant hands-on experience designing, implementing, and managing live network environments for the department, other on-campus groups, and ultimately for groups outside of the university. This experience-based teaching methodology not only addresses the challenges of preparing future technologists in an ever-changing field, but also arms students with the experience that many employers are seeking. This article discusses the growth, benefits, challenges, and future goals of the networking and security tracks of classes offered at IUPUI in the CIT Department