On-Line Learning on Information Security Based on Critical Thinking Andragogy

There is a demand in higher educational institutions for an on-line learning model that positively stimulates learners’ critical thinking. Higher education learners are considered adults. Thus, standard pedagogical approaches do not always work. Adults need an andragogical approach that takes into consideration that teaching is relevant to them. Andragogy refers to adult teaching theories. In this article, the authors propose a new model that intends to provide an effective on-line teaching environment that applies critical thinking andragogy in higher education. The model was applied to 140 learners of the Basics of Information Security course at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. This course was specifically chosen because the skills taught in this course are used in real life, while dealing with e-mails, Web sites, social networks and other on-line platforms. Thus, an andragogical approach seemed appropriate. Learners’ response to the applied model was measured through a quantitative research method. There was noticeable student satisfaction regarding the applied framework. The authors describe the model in detail and how it was utilised