chat:CYBR

James Welsh - chat:CYBR – Episode 12

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Welsh discusses the Florida Center for Instructional Technology (FCIT) and its evolution, emphasizing its outward-focused approach to education and collaboration with Cyber Florida. The discussion highlights the importance of cybersecurity education, the challenges faced in K-12 settings, and initiatives, like Operation K-12 and CyberLaunch, that aim to enhance cybersecurity awareness and workforce development.

Episode Notes

Keywords

Dr. Welsh, FCIT, Cyber Florida, Operation K-12, Cybersecurity Education, CyberLaunch, Teacher Support, Workforce Development, K-12 Education, USF

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Welch discusses the Florida Center for Instructional Technology (FCIT) and its evolution, emphasizing its outward-focused approach to education and collaboration with Cyber Florida. The discussion highlights the importance of cybersecurity education, the challenges faced in K-12 settings, and the initiatives like Operation K-12 and CyberLaunch that aim to enhance cybersecurity awareness and workforce development. Dr. Welch also underscores the need for good policy to support educational outcomes and the exciting future of cybersecurity education at the University of South Florida.

Takeaways

• The Florida Center for Instructional Technology was established in the early 1980s.
• FCIT's success is attributed to its outward-focused approach and problem-solving mindset.
• Collaboration with Cyber Florida has led to the creation of Operation K-12.
• CyberLaunch is the largest high school cybersecurity competition in the nation.
• Support for teachers is crucial in implementing cybersecurity education.
• Cybersecurity education is primarily focused on high school courses.
• Removing barriers for school districts to participate in events is essential.
• Cybersecurity awareness needs to be integrated across all subject areas.
• The advent of AI presents new challenges for cybersecurity education.
• Good policy is foundational for achieving positive educational outcomes.

Titles

• Empowering Cybersecurity Education with Dr. Welch
• The Evolution of FCIT and Its Impact

Sound Bites

• "We are the K-12 piece of Cyber Florida."
• "We need a workforce ready to adapt."
• "We pay for all the food and transportation."
• "Cybersecurity is getting more important."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Welch and FCIT

02:51 The Evolution of FCIT and Its Mission

06:01 Collaboration with Cyber Florida and Operation K-12

09:13 Supporting Teachers in Cybersecurity Education

12:00 CyberLaunch: A Major Cybersecurity Competition

15:07 Barriers to Participation and Engagement

18:13 The Need for Broader Cybersecurity Awareness

21:14 The Future of Cybersecurity Education at USF