An Agile Deployment of a Virtual Learning Environment: Insights from a Cybersecurity Interactive Course for Spanish-Speaking Children

Abstract

Implementing a cybersecurity course for children is challenging due to the sensitive nature of learning topics such as sexting, cyberbullying, and grooming. In addition, forced lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic increased children’s exposure to threats on the Internet due to the lack of effective parental/teacher supervision while teleworking. Although existing online initiatives have been implemented to teach cybersecurity to minors, they lack structure and engagement; particularly, for non-English-speaking children. In this article, we explore the experiences of deploying a virtual learning environment (VLE) to teach cybersecurity to Spanish-speaking children using an agile approach. The design, development, deployment and publication of the VLE is carried out using a 5-phase SCRUM-based methodology by combining UDL, ADDIE, and DPIPE. These learning models serve as strategies to create interactive learning content, using 3D anthropomorphic characters and storyboards to enhance the learning experience. Also, in our proposal, during the evaluation phase, we assess the VLE’s performance, the course design usability, and the course content. Regarding the VLE performance, functional and non-functional tests are conducted. For usability, both SUS and Nielsen models are applied in order to assess the users’ engagement with the course design. Finally,
to evaluate the course content, both the learning experience and the learning outcomes were assessed through navigation tests, sentiment analysis and learning tests. The results demonstrate that our proposed agile approach delivers an acceptable performance and a pleasant learning experience for children, parents, and teachers despite the complexity of learning cybersecurity-related topics.