EBC lecture to discuss student learning in virtual computer lab

Dr. Abdullah Konak, associate professor of Information Sciences and Technology, will discuss how to best utilize virtual computers for teaching information security as part of the Engineering, Business, and Computing (EBC) Division Research Interest Group lecture on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at 1 p.m. in room 244 of the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building. This event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

In his presentation titled ?Student Learning in a Collaborative Virtual Computer Laboratory: Bridging Theory and Practice,? Konak will explain how information security is a growing part of the information technology function in an organization. However, higher education institutions generally do not provide much ?hands-on? exposure to information security concepts due to costs, internal information security concerns, and lack of worthwhile exercises that cater to students.  

Through the creation of a collaborative virtual computer laboratory (CVCLAB), the impact of collaborative work on student learning can be established in controlled experiments. Konak describes how to best utilize virtual computers for teaching information security?debating whether learning is greater when exercises are conducted by student groups or by individuals. 

The EBC Research Interest Group features Penn State Berks faculty and visiting experts who conduct research on a wide variety of topics. Topics are of broad and general interest and are accessible to the non-expert.

For more information, contact either of the co-chairs for the EBC Research Interest Group: Dr. Jui-Chi Huang, assistant professor of Economics, at [email protected]; or Dr. Ada Leung, assistant professor of Marketing, at [email protected].