Submitted by Stephanie Rhoten on

The University of Arizona, to enhance the learning experience of online, hybrid, and face-to-face students in the Cyber Operations degree program, has designed, built, and implemented a Cyber Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Built upon a hybrid cloud architecture, students can log in to their classes from anywhere there is internet access, and safely complete hands-on learning exercises in a synthesized environment with no fear of damaging or interfering with current, live, computer networks. This provides a cost-effective option for students wishing to pursue their degree, paired with the geographic flexibility students may need. The VLE is made up of several components which students will use throughout their courses. This vast array of components keeps students challenged and provides a depth of experience in the Cyber realm not readily available elsewhere. Our students, regardless of learning modality, leave the program with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work immediately in the Cyber field upon graduation. Through the VLE, they will attack and defend the businesses, individuals, and governmental offices of CyberApolis, our virtual city. With 15,000 highly developed virtual citizens, CyberApolis is a thriving city with its own social media, hospital, bank, businesses, and organized crime. Our Internet of Things lab devices are being increasingly integrated into CyberApolis to allow students to interact with these everyday devices that may be watching, listening, or interfering with our homes and businesses. And the Malware Sandbox provides a safe environment in which to reverse engineer malware, with no threat to current computers or networks.

JASON DENNO