Impact of AI-Enhanced Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions on student learning outcomes in cybersecurity training: a qualitative study
1 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
2 East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Dr., Box 70300, Johnson City, TN 37614-1700, USA.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2025, 08(02), 073–080.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2025.8.2.0044
Publication history:
Received on 10 March 2025; revised on 26 April 2025; accepted on 29 April 2025
Abstract:
Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions have been widely used as an educational tool in cybersecurity training. To enhance learning outcomes among students, AI has been integrated into CTF competitions, which have affected students in the use of AI-enhance CTF competitions. Thus, this study assessed the impact of AI-enhanced capture the flag (CTF) competitions on student learning outcomes in cybersecurity training. This study employed a qualitative research design of a phenomenological type. The population for this study comprised individuals (students) enrolled in cybersecurity-related programs who have participated in AI-enhanced CTF competitions. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select eight (8) participants who have direct experience with AI-enhanced CTF competitions. The research data was collected using semi-structured interviews, which was conducted online (zoom). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and answer the research questions. The study revealed that students’ experiences with AI-enhanced Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions were largely positive and multifaceted. AI-enhanced CTFs significantly shaped students’ problem-solving behaviors and critical thinking approaches. It was recommended in the study that educational institutions and training centers should integrate AI-enhanced Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions into their cybersecurity curricula.
Keywords:
Capture The Flag (CTF); Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Student Learning Outcomes; Jeopardy-Style CTF; Attack-Defense-Style CTF
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0