Abstract
This paper examines pedagogical innovations in an asynchronous online homeland security course. Using an experiential learning framework, the authors revised a professional skills course in an undergraduate homeland security program to include career preparation through interview and resume preparation, learning from experts in the field, and online internships. Initial student feedback indicated that the field expertise helped them understand the career requirements and opportunities, particularly when paired with career preparation activities. The paper concludes with a discussion of plans for revisions based on student feedback and applications for pedagogical innovations in related homeland security courses.
Authors
Cihan Aydiner
Cihan Aydiner is an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Homeland Security at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. He served as a Turkish military officer with vast counterterrorism experience. Cihan's research focuses on the complex interdependencies among policy, homeland security, and international migration. He earned a B.A. in Systems Engineering from the Turkish Military Academy, an M.A. in National and International Security Management and Leadership from the Turkish Army War College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Louisiana State University.
Tanya Buhler Corbin
Tanya Buhler Corbin is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Security and Emergency Services at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. Her research agenda focuses on disaster management, recovery, and disaster policy processes and has been featured in national organization policy plans and cited in congressional testimony. Past research projects include policy change and disaster recovery after Hurricane Katrina, teaching and learning in online education and high-impact practices scholarship, community partnerships in disaster mitigation, and COVID-19 policy. Tanya earned an M.A. in Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Claremont Graduate University.
