Integration of Security into the Development and Teaching of aNew 2-Year Program in Wireless Communications

摘要

Critical factors limiting the growth of the wireless industry and the even greater adoption ofmobile technologies are concerns regarding data integrity and wireless network security. Thiswork details creation of a new 2-year degree program in wireless communications that integratessecurity throughout. Security concepts and hands-on experiences are woven into the programitself and within individual courses. This model curriculum will benefit individuals andinstitutions interested in developing similar programs based on regional workforce needs.Key topics include an overview of the current program under development and the expectedevolution that will occur over the next few years. Additionally, the authors share research andinsight into future trends for this new technology; describe the skills needed by this emergingworkforce, community college programs presently in place, and opportunities for future programgrowth in these areas.Central to the development of this program is an open source distribution and developmentmethod for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) curriculum, lecture andlaboratory content. Established by The National Center for Telecommunications Technologies(NCTT) Consortium, the open source distribution and development process of faculty review,redistribution, and content modification will be contrasted to traditional development anddistribution methods. The open source resource serves as a means of dynamically and rapidlydistributing classroom and laboratory materials with a focus on interoperability, innovation,rapid evolution and low cost academic solutions. The method will be further demonstrated as ameans of forming learning communities whereby faculty will benefit through the sharing ofspecialized instructional materials.