Development of Computer-Assisted Instruction to Create Cybersecurity Awareness for Thai Students' Online Information Searching

Abstract

This research aimed to study how to raise awareness among Thai students on safe cyber information search, as using the Internet in the present era is unavoidable, and accessing unsafe online information may affect users’ privacy and security. The research used a survey and interview method of first-year students in the Computer Studies program, Thepsatri Rajabhat University, Lopburi Province, to study their behavior and awareness level in online information search. It was found that most students had little experience in information search (79.00 percent) and had little knowledge of cyber threats (91.75 percent), but had the highest level of awareness of cyber threats and crimes (x̅ = 4.37, SD = 0.51). It was also found that age and work experience were related to the level of awareness of cyber threats. In response to this problem, a Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) lesson was developed to promote knowledge and raise awareness about safe information search, using research instruments including pre-test and post-test and in-depth interviews. The results of the experiment using the lesson with 39 sample students found that the average score before learning was 3.41 points, during learning was 17.97 points, and after learning was 17.41 points. In addition, the effectiveness of the lesson was 89.85/87.05, which is higher than the standard criteria of 80/80, indicating that the lesson is effective in enhancing knowledge and awareness of cybersecurity. The research results indicate the necessity of designing learning that is appropriate for the behavior of current internet users, especially students, in order to be aware of and protect themselves from cyber threats effectively. This research can be used as a guideline for developing policies or curricula related to cybersecurity in educational institutions appropriately.