Learn-Apply-Reinforce/Share Learning: Hackathons and CTFs as General Pedagogic Tools in Higher Education, and Their Applicability to Distance Learning

Tom Goodman; Andreea-Ina Radu

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arXiv · 2006.04226

Learn-Apply-Reinforce/Share Learning: Hackathons and CTFs as General Pedagogic Tools in Higher Education, and Their Applicability to Distance Learning

Tom Goodman·Andreea-Ina Radu

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Abstract

This paper lays out two teaching/learning methods that are becoming increasingly prevalent in computer science - hackathons, and Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions - and the pedagogic theory that underpins them. A case study of each is analysed, and the underpinning similarities extracted. The frameworks are then generalised to Learn-Apply-Reinforce/Share Learning - a social constructivistic method that can be used subject-independently. The applicability of this new method to distance learning is then investigated - with a mind to potential necessity to work from home - both due to increasing demand in the Higher Education sector, but also the devastating impact of crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, a few potential extensions and future applications are discussed - including the possibilities of pivoting the method to be more research-driven, or indeed, to drive research.

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Tom Goodman, Andreea-Ina Radu. 2020-06-07. Learn-Apply-Reinforce/Share Learning: Hackathons and CTFs as General Pedagogic Tools in Higher Education, and Their Applicability to Distance Learning. https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.04226

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