Doug Jacobson

About

Doug Jacobson is a pioneering educator and researcher whose work centers on cybersecurity education, information technology (IT) workforce development, and inquiry-based learning for K-12 students. His most significant contribution is the creation of the IT-Adventures program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to spark high school students’ interest in IT through hands-on, extracurricular activities in cyber defense, game design, and robotics. This program, detailed in his most-cited paper (57 citations), combines inquiry-based learning with competitive events, effectively turning students “ON” to technology careers. Jacobson also addressed a critical gap by developing methods to train non-IT teachers to advise these clubs, as shown in his pilot study. His work includes creating a “playground” computer network testbed, allowing students to safely learn and practice cyber defense skills. With a career dedicated to broadening participation in IT and cybersecurity, Jacobson’s impact is measured not only in citations but in the thousands of students inspired to pursue technology fields, making him a key figure in STEM education outreach.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   IT-Adventures: A Program to Spark IT Interest in High School Students Using Inquiry-Based Learning With Cyber Defense, Game Design, and Robotics

   57 citations · 2009
2. 2
   Training non-IT teachers to advise and facilitate inquiry-based learning in IT: A pilot study

   3 citations · 2009
3. 3
   This IS child's play Creating a “playground” (computer network testbed) for high school students to learn, practice, and compete in cyber defense competitions

   3 citations · 2013
4. 4
   IT-Adventures: Turning high school students “ON” to information technology

   3 citations · 2009

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links