A course on computer and network security: Teaching online versus face-to-face

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of the Computer and Network Security course offered through distance education division as part of the online degree program. Topics presented in the online format are compared with those presented in a traditional curriculum in the face-to-face format. The pros and cons of each of the formats are discussed. Unique to the online course are weekly discussion topics that require each student's participation and the follow-ups to postings of other students. A distinguishing aspect of the online course is a three week based case study assignment exploring a practical security framework encountered in real companies. © 2007 International Federation for Information Processing.