Abstract

Technology and the Internet bring many benefits to students. Studies show that technology and the available online resources encourage inquiry and support student success in schools. However, there are many threats to middle school students as a result of the misuse of technology. I believe that teaching security awareness for middle school students through an online interactive program is essential for reducing the risks that could affect them. The online interactive program should be multilingual, completely visual, continually updating, and suitable for both students and their families. Since many efforts have been made to minimize the risks, it has become necessary to examine the current state of security awareness among students and their families. The involvement of technology should be analyzed if it would play a role in the incidents that are committed by and to middle school students. Also, there should be an investigation of whether schools offer procedures and plans to ensure online safety. Lastly, parents should be surveyed to test their knowledge about security awareness. Results show that incidents where technology is involved are growing and could affect the entire nation. Moreover, surveys indicate that middle school students, their parents, and school staff need an online interactive program to cover all the necessary information including technical procedures with a variety of visualization methods. Further studies require more in–depth investigations, interviews, and surveys with staff and students in schools. More studies should use E–commerce methods to raise awareness among students by instantly showing them tips when they do something that conflicts with internet safety.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Internet--Security measures--Study and teaching (Middle school); Data protection--Study and teaching (Middle school); Internet--Security measures--Computer-assisted instruction; Data protection--Computer-assisted instruction

Publication Date

7-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Computing Security (GCCIS)

Advisor

Perez-Hardy, Sylvia

Advisor/Committee Member

Leone, Jim

Advisor/Committee Member

Hill, Lawrence

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TK5105.59 .A544 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMPSEC-MS

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