ASE '17 Paper #2 Reviews and Comments =========================================================================== Paper #2 CyberPDX: A Camp for Broadening Participation in Cybersecurity Review #2A =========================================================================== Overall merit ------------- 3. Weak accept Reviewer expertise ------------------ 4. Expert Paper summary ------------- This is a well-written paper about a cybersecurity camp held for teachers and students. It includes a thorough discussion of a unique four thread interdisciplinary approach teaching cyber, would be useful to others interested in hosting a camp. Potential interest ------------------ 3. Relevant to a subset of attendees, over-specialized Potential interest summary -------------------------- This paper describes a unique approach to teaching cybersecurity, but will primarily be of interest to those teaching a summer camp to high school students. Comments for author ------------------- This paper would benefit from including assessment done outside of the standard GenCyber assessment. Review #2B =========================================================================== Overall merit ------------- 5. Strong accept Reviewer expertise ------------------ 3. Knowledgeable Paper summary ------------- The paper describes the organisation of a summer camp, having cybersecurity as a central focus. It thoroughly explains the activities and learning objectives of each exercise, and provides an evaluation of the scheme, based on feedback from students and teachers who participated in the camp in a previous iteration. Potential interest ------------------ 5. Broadly engaging and useful Potential interest summary -------------------------- Strengths: The Camp seem to provide an excellent educational exPaper was well written and organised. The topics covered by the summer school were diverse and would ensure that students gain an understanding of the vast range of possible career choices within the area of cybersecurity. I appreciated the inclusion of film making, as an alternative activity one would not necessarily think of, when considering computer security. The curriculum transfer section of the paper highlighted the various applications of cyber-security related knowledge can have, in both a fun and informative way. Weaknesses: It was unclear what was the age group of the participating students. It is not mentioned if they are. This would be relevant. Also, it was not explained how the Sociology department was involved. In the evaluation section, GenCyber camps are mentioned, with a reference given. However, it would be useful to give a brief explanation (1-2 sentences) of what the camps are, for better readability and understanding. Comments for author ------------------- This camp looked great. The idea of a cyber-security summer camp can be easily transitioned to undergrads as well. It is useful learning from the experiences described and a good foundation for anyone wanting to start such events. Review #2C =========================================================================== Overall merit ------------- 4. Accept Reviewer expertise ------------------ 3. Knowledgeable Paper summary ------------- The paper is an experience report about a 1 week summer camp for high school students. It is both a new approach and confirmation of knowledge. The approach to teaching cybersecurity is thoroughly interdisciplinary combining it with filmmaking, law, and ethics. It also includes inquiry-based, cooperative learning, multi-modal instruction, and scaffolding of exercises. The paper presents a variety of good ideas for anyone teaching at an introductory level. The paper presents comparative data from a survey given to other GenCyber camps and shows that overall the students enjoyed it very much. Potential interest ------------------ 5. Broadly engaging and useful Potential interest summary -------------------------- introducing an interdisciplinary approach could broaden the discussion of approaches to teaching cybersecurity, not just at the HS level. Hearing more about GenCyber camps is also valuable to the community. Comments for author ------------------- The paragraph in the introduction starting with "The role of the cybersecurity professional ..." although relevant, doesn't seem to contribute to the development of the theme of the paper and could be omitted. It would be better to get to the exciting activities sooner in the text.