In an era of escalating cyber threats and increasing regulatory demands, cybersecurity education must go beyond theoretical instruction to prepare students for real-world challenges. Drawing from five years of experience teaching introductory class on cybersecurity, this talk shares practical insights on curriculum design and activities to develop student readiness with up-to-date body of knowledge for further study. The presentation highlights key teaching strategies—including hands-on labs, online materials, Cybersecurity camp — as well as common obstacles and how to address them. It also explores the role of AI-assisted learning and automation in cybersecurity education. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to strengthen their own programs and better align academic outcomes with real-world cybersecurity needs.
Keywords : Cybersecurity Education, Curriculum Design, Hands-on Learning, AI-Assisted Learning, Online Learning Materials