Transparent Peer Review By Scholar9
A Study of Awareness about Cyber Safety and Security Practices among Pre-Service Teacher Trainees
Abstract
With the increasing integration of technology in education, awareness of cyber safety among educators has become crucial. This study focuses on pre-service teacher trainees, evaluating their knowledge and understanding of cyber safety concepts, identifying training gaps, and suggesting improvements for teacher education programs. The analysis is based on the responses of 97 trainees enrolled in the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) program. Material and methods: The research employed a quantitative approach, collecting data from 97 pre-service teacher trainees. The study examined demographic characteristics, self-reported knowledge, and cyber safety practices. Statistical techniques were applied to identify patterns, levels of awareness, and areas requiring further attention. Results: Participants were primarily young (Mean+SD=23.39+2.89, Minimum=20, Maximum=35), with a balanced gender ratio and moderate levels of computer training. While 81.4% had prior knowledge of cyber safety, their understanding of specific threats like phishing was moderate. Despite high concerns about online privacy, confidence in managing cyber risks was relatively low. Poor password management practices and frequent password sharing highlighted substantial security vulnerabilities among trainees.
Amit Mangal Reviewer
09 Sep 2024 02:10 PM
Not Approved
Relevance and Originality:
The Research Article addresses a critical and timely issue—the awareness of cyber safety among pre-service teacher trainees. Given the increasing integration of technology in education, this study is highly relevant as it seeks to evaluate and improve cyber safety knowledge among future educators. The focus on identifying training gaps and suggesting improvements for teacher education programs demonstrates originality by targeting an often-overlooked aspect of educator preparation. The study’s findings could significantly impact the development of more robust cyber safety curricula for teacher training.
Methodology:
The Research Article employs a quantitative approach, analyzing data collected from 97 pre-service teacher trainees through structured questionnaires. This method is appropriate for assessing knowledge levels and identifying patterns in cyber safety awareness. However, additional details on the specific statistical techniques used, the survey design, and the validity of the data collection instruments would enhance the understanding of the methodology. Information on how demographic variables were accounted for in the analysis would also be beneficial.
Validity & Reliability:
The study’s findings indicate varying levels of cyber safety awareness among trainees, but the summary lacks details on how the validity and reliability of the data were ensured. Information on the reliability of the survey instrument, any validation processes, and how potential biases were addressed would strengthen the assessment of the research’s credibility. Furthermore, data on how consistently the results were obtained across different groups or settings would provide insights into the reliability of the findings.
Clarity and Structure:
The summary is clear and well-structured, effectively presenting the research focus, methodology, and key findings. It outlines the participants' demographics, their level of cyber safety knowledge, and specific issues such as poor password management. For improved clarity, a more detailed breakdown of the training gaps identified and the specific recommendations for enhancing teacher education programs would be useful. Including examples of how these gaps impact the trainees' ability to manage cyber risks would also enhance the structure.
Result Analysis:
The result analysis highlights key findings, such as the moderate understanding of specific cyber threats and poor password management practices among trainees. However, the summary could benefit from more detailed insights into how these results inform the need for improved cyber safety training. Including specific data on the extent of the training gaps and the effectiveness of any proposed interventions would provide a deeper analysis. Furthermore, discussing the implications of these findings for the development of future teacher education programs would strengthen the result analysis.
IJ Publication Publisher
Thank You Sir
Amit Mangal Reviewer