Unlocking the laboratory: autonomous wireless sensor authentication in practice

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this study is to evaluate a practical laboratory task where final year undergraduate students design, implement and validate an inferred security wireless sensor access system. Design/methodology/approach -The quality of the learning and technical environment was evaluated from a number of perspectives using a mixed methods approach where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analysed. Two-tailed paired t-tests were used to analyse data on student performance, while a targeted survey was used to assess the achievement of the learning outcomes. The students' experience of working with the Sun Microsystems SunSPOTs was evaluated and the evolution of their perception of both ubiquity and security from inception to completion of the activity was explored. Findings -The results of this study indicate that the students' level of engagement with the assigned laboratory task was higher than with the two other forms of continuous assessment used on the module. Quantitative feedback gathered indicated that the learning outcomes were achieved, while the qualitative data indicated a high level of student satisfaction with the laboratory assignment. Originality/value -A novel wireless sensor network laboratory that encourages students to engage with the concepts of ubiquity and security is presented and evaluated.