Week 4 CYBR650 Blog
Levels of Learning
Thanks to Professor Woerner for sharing the post concerning getting stuck in coursework and other challenges. In this cybersecurity field, specifically when learning this field through school and certifications, I often wonder away from the critical thinking and creative mindset. Too often looking for a specific answer to a direct question. The answers in these environments are often clear-cut...if X happens, then you must do Y. A majority of the courses are like this, but as you mentioned, the real world is hardly ever organized as such. You need the foundational knowledge so you can think and act critically in an uncertain environment. You shared your “use your resources” line from ROTC, I have a similar one we learn at Senior NCO Academy in the Air Force. Leaders must be able to “operate critically in complex and ambiguous environments”. Just as you mentioned, and similar to the Wired.com article, when things start getting ambiguous then the frustration immediately starts ramping up. This has further effects on stress, productivity, and general clear thinking about the problem at hand.
I for one am always stressed out by ambiguous assignments. Generally because we all have minimal free time, and unclear assignments or coursework take more time to understand, “whiteboard” in your head or on paper, and begin to translate thoughts and ideas into something resembling an intelligible response. So yes, they are frustrating at first. But one thing that always happens during these assignments is you reach your “aha” phase. Where it finally makes sense, and you are able to leverage what you have learned to create something unique. In the end, at least in my opinion, these types of assignments are so much more rewarding in the long run than “cookie cutter” papers or tests. You have solved a real problem, rather than just regurgitating information in a different format for a paper or presentation.
Slowing Things Down
So, looping back to operating in ambiguous environments, taking on assignments or tasks that are initially unclear help you develop the ability to function when things are uncertain. The more you do it, the more time slows down for you when things aren’t going according to plan. Similar to comparing a rookie NFL quarterback to Tom Brady or drew Brees. The rookie will panic the instant things don’t go according to plan, while the veteran will try to understand what is going on, and figure out how to overcome and adapt their methods.
In life, whether in a cybersecurity profession or at home, many threats are asymmetric. Unpredictable, evolving, and striking when and where you least expect it. You must be mentally prepared to handle it. I would argue that just as important as understanding the STRIDE model or all of the attack vectors on your critical assets, is the possessing the ability to clearly assess the situation at hand and modify your behavior and tactics based on what is truly happening. If you aren’t used to operating in a stressful and unclear situation, you probably will not handle it very well when it actually happens. Because of this, I for one prefer the challenge and reward of ambiguous tasks. Synthesizing what you have learned from multiple sources into a unique product that answers a hard problem is initially tough, but much more lasting in the mind. It as an extremely valuable method for assessing knowledge and comprehension of a subject versus multiple choice or essay knowledge examinations.
Thanks to Professor Woerner for sharing the post concerning getting stuck in coursework and other challenges. In this cybersecurity field, specifically when learning this field through school and certifications, I often wonder away from the critical thinking and creative mindset. Too often looking for a specific answer to a direct question. The answers in these environments are often clear-cut...if X happens, then you must do Y. A majority of the courses are like this, but as you mentioned, the real world is hardly ever organized as such. You need the foundational knowledge so you can think and act critically in an uncertain environment. You shared your “use your resources” line from ROTC, I have a similar one we learn at Senior NCO Academy in the Air Force. Leaders must be able to “operate critically in complex and ambiguous environments”. Just as you mentioned, and similar to the Wired.com article, when things start getting ambiguous then the frustration immediately starts ramping up. This has further effects on stress, productivity, and general clear thinking about the problem at hand.
I for one am always stressed out by ambiguous assignments. Generally because we all have minimal free time, and unclear assignments or coursework take more time to understand, “whiteboard” in your head or on paper, and begin to translate thoughts and ideas into something resembling an intelligible response. So yes, they are frustrating at first. But one thing that always happens during these assignments is you reach your “aha” phase. Where it finally makes sense, and you are able to leverage what you have learned to create something unique. In the end, at least in my opinion, these types of assignments are so much more rewarding in the long run than “cookie cutter” papers or tests. You have solved a real problem, rather than just regurgitating information in a different format for a paper or presentation.
Slowing Things Down
So, looping back to operating in ambiguous environments, taking on assignments or tasks that are initially unclear help you develop the ability to function when things are uncertain. The more you do it, the more time slows down for you when things aren’t going according to plan. Similar to comparing a rookie NFL quarterback to Tom Brady or drew Brees. The rookie will panic the instant things don’t go according to plan, while the veteran will try to understand what is going on, and figure out how to overcome and adapt their methods.
In life, whether in a cybersecurity profession or at home, many threats are asymmetric. Unpredictable, evolving, and striking when and where you least expect it. You must be mentally prepared to handle it. I would argue that just as important as understanding the STRIDE model or all of the attack vectors on your critical assets, is the possessing the ability to clearly assess the situation at hand and modify your behavior and tactics based on what is truly happening. If you aren’t used to operating in a stressful and unclear situation, you probably will not handle it very well when it actually happens. Because of this, I for one prefer the challenge and reward of ambiguous tasks. Synthesizing what you have learned from multiple sources into a unique product that answers a hard problem is initially tough, but much more lasting in the mind. It as an extremely valuable method for assessing knowledge and comprehension of a subject versus multiple choice or essay knowledge examinations.
Comments
Post a Comment