This paper presents an educational tool designed to enhance cryptography education for K-12 students, utilizing Kolb's Experiential Learning (EL) model and engaging visual components. Our tool incorporates the four stages of EL -- Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation -- to teach key cryptographic concepts, including hashing, symmetric cryptography, and asymmetric cryptography. The learning experience is enriched with real-world simulations, customized AI-based conversation agents, video demonstrations, interactive scenarios, and a simplified Python coding terminal focused on cryptography. Targeted at beginners in cybersecurity, the tool encourages independent learning with minimal instructor involvement. An evaluation with 51 middle and high school students showed positive feedback from 93% of participants, who found the simulations, visualizations, AI reflections, scenarios, and coding capabilities engaging and conducive to learning. Comprehension surveys indicated a high understanding of cryptography concepts: hashing (middle school: 89%, high school: 92%), symmetric cryptography (middle school: 93%, high school: 97%), and asymmetric cryptography (middle school: 91%, high school: 94%).
翻译:本文介绍了一种旨在提升K-12学生密码学教育的教学工具,该工具融合了科尔布的体验式学习模型并采用了引人入胜的可视化组件。我们的工具整合了体验式学习的四个阶段——具体经验、反思观察、抽象概念化和主动实验——以教授关键的密码学概念,包括哈希、对称密码学和非对称密码学。学习体验通过真实世界模拟、定制的基于人工智能的对话代理、视频演示、交互式场景以及一个专注于密码学的简化Python编程终端得以丰富。该工具面向网络安全领域的初学者,鼓励学生在教师最少介入的情况下进行自主学习。一项针对51名初高中学生的评估显示,93%的参与者给予了积极反馈,他们认为模拟、可视化、人工智能反思、场景和编程功能既有趣又有利于学习。理解度调查表明学生对密码学概念有较高的掌握程度:哈希(初中:89%,高中:92%)、对称密码学(初中:93%,高中:97%)和非对称密码学(初中:91%,高中:94%)。