Exploring students’ experiences in using a physical laboratory for computer networks and data security

Abstract

ABSTRACT Data and computer network security issues have become increasingly important in professional engineering practice, requiring educated engineers capable to solve the real security problems. This strongly emphasize the importance of including courses dedicated to data and computer network security in information technology curricula, and providing real first‐hands experiences with physical equipment to students. This article presents a qualitative study aimed at exploring students’ experiences in a physical laboratory for computer network and data security. Identified experiences were organized into a conceptual framework, providing a base for improvement of learning materials and the laboratory. Benefits and implications for students, lecturers, and researchers are also discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:290–303, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae ; DOI 10.1002/cae.21797