Cybersecurity Training for Teachers (CTT) - November 23, 2020

To mitigate the effects of school closures as a result of COVID-19, digital platforms have been variously adopted by governments to enable teachers to deliver blended or full online lessons to the learners. In many families in the developing Commonwealth, learners are increasingly accessing online learning and assessment resources using devices owned by parents or older family members.

The shift to online learning presents various security threats to teachers, learners as well as their parents and carers as they are now more prone to cyber-attacks than before. Recent reports show a spike in cybercrime since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, making cybersecurity a key concern for educators.

The Cybersecurity Training for Teachers (CTT) course is designed to provide teachers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their students online, as well as create awareness for the parents and carers.

The course targets secondary and primary school teachers as well as teacher educators and will run over four weeks. It will require up to five hours of time each week. Participants will learn from articles, case studies, videos, as well as discussions with fellow learners and mentors.

** Enrolment closed **

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

During the first week, participants will:

1. Define cybersecurity and explore its importance
2. Explore various online learning platforms and their respective security concerns
3. Familiarize themselves with the legal aspects of cybersecurity

Week 2: Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigation

During the second week, the participants will:

1. Cover the cybersecurity attacks on various e-learning platforms such as Moodle and Zoom
2. Learn how to protect themselves and their students against cyber-attacks 
3. Learn about the various channels available to report cyber-attacks

Week 3: Best Practices

In the third week, the participants will explore:

1. Password management techniques
2. The need for software updates, antivirus and backups
3. Securing online communication
4. Device security

Week 4: Cyber Safety for Students

In the final week, the participants will explore:

1. Student online protection
2. Online risks facing students
3. Incorporating cybersecurity in the classroom
4. Laws that support child online protection

Primary and secondary school teachers

Teacher educators

Other education practitioners

After completion of this course, the participant is expected to be able to:

1. Understand cybersecurity and its relevance in digital learning
2. Identify and mitigate various cybersecurity threats and attacks
3. Outline various techniques that students can use to protect themselves when using technology
4. Incorporate best cybersecurity practices through protective and preventive measures; and
5. Demonstrate understanding of cybersecurity laws, acts and relevant regulatory organizations and bodies.

A Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Participation will be awarded depending on the level of participation and completion of tasks.