E-Shield: Design, Implementation, And Evaluation of a Cybersecurity Education Program – a 6th Grade Example

This study examines the development, implementation, and evaluation processes of the e-Shield instructional program, designed using the Morrison, Ross, and Kemp model to enhance sixth-grade students' knowledge, skills, and awareness of cybersecurity. With the rapid advancement of technology, cybersecurity has become a crucial issue for both individuals and society. However, a review of the literature indicates that students lack sufficient knowledge and awareness regarding cybersecurity. To address these deficiencies, effective instructional programs must be developed. Accordingly, the e-Shield instructional program was implemented with 17 students over 16 lesson hours. The study was designed as a single-group quasi-experimental research model using a pre-test and post-test to examine changes in students' knowledge, skills, and awareness. The results showed a significant increase in students' cybersecurity knowledge and awareness. In particular, students became more conscious about safe internet use, cyberbullying, creating secure passwords, and social media security. Additionally, the findings revealed that the program was highly effective in developing cybersecurity skills throughout the process. This study emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education at the elementary school level and highlights the contribution of instructional programs in this field. The research serves as a guide for future cybersecurity education programs and represents a significant step in equipping students with the ability to navigate the digital world consciously and securely.