FAQ for K-12 Teachers

What is the Heartland Cyber Range, and how can it benefit K-12 students?

The Heartland Cyber Range is a virtual, interactive environment designed to simulate real-world networks, systems, and applications for cybersecurity education, cyber defense training, and cyber technology research and development. The Heartland Cyber Range provides a safe, secure environment where students, researchers, industry professionals, and government can strengthen theoretical learning alongside practical training on the latest threats and tactics to be better prepared for the realities of defending a network or against an actual attack.

What students are best targeted to utilize the Heartland Cyber Range?

We are committed to ensuring that the Heartland Cyber Range is accessible to all K-12 students, regardless of their skill level and prior experience.

What is the cost for K-12 students to utilize the range?

The Heartland Cyber Range will be available at no cost to K-12 students and staff through initial funding by the Kansas Department of Commerce, industry sponsorships, and a premium license model.

As of 4/5/2024, we are accepting requests to join the Beta program before launch. Please contact support@heartlandcyberrange.com

What technology and equipment do my students need to access and use the cyber range?

To access the Heartland Cyber Range, your students will need the following:

Internet Connection: The Heartland Cyber Range is browser-based, so a stable internet connection is essential. We recommend a broadband or high-speed connection to ensure a seamless experience.
Web Browser: Any modern web browser will work. Popular choices like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari are all compatible. Please ensure your browser is up to date for the best performance and security.
Computer or Device: Your students can use a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, if it supports a compatible web browser. While a larger screen and full-sized keyboard are preferable for the best experience, the cyber range is designed to be responsive and usable on various devices.
Operating System: The Heartland Cyber Range is platform-agnostic. It can be accessed from Windows, macOS or Linux operating systems.

What type(s) of content is available in the range?

When it launches, the Heartland Cyber Range will start with over 75 different courses, labs, scenarios, and exercises that span across several different cybersecurity topics. The content varies in level of difficulty from entry level to advanced, and new content will be constantly added to expand learning pathways and offerings, and to keep information fresh and relevant to today’s security landscape.

How can I integrate the Heartland Cyber Range into my existing curriculum and lesson plans effectively?

The Heartland Cyber Range can be utilized anywhere with an internet connection, providing both in-school and out of school opportunities for students to practice at home. As it provides a simulated environment for hands on experience, it can be used to practice any skills and knowledge gained from traditional curriculum.

All content aligns with the industry recognized NICE Framework, which is a nationally recognized framework developed by the U.S. government to help individuals and organizations identify, categorize, and understand the various roles and specialties within cybersecurity.

With the Heartland Cyber Range Phase II actively being developed, teachers will have the flexibility to curate personalized learning pathways and craft tailored lesson plans for students by selecting specific content from the extensive library.

Can students work on the cyber range from home or is it limited to in-school use only?

Students can access and work on the Heartland Cyber range from the convenience of their own homes. Our platform is designed to be accessible remotely, allowing students to engage with the range from anywhere with an internet connection.

What support or technical assistance is available for teachers and students encountering difficulties while using the Heartland Cyber Range?

Support and technical assistance are readily available for both teachers and students encountering difficulties while using the Heartland Cyber Range. We understand that effective support is crucial to a successful learning experience.

Are there any training or resources available for teachers to better utilize the cyber range in their classrooms?

Yes, a user guide for teachers on how to utilize the range will be made available following its launch.

How can I ensure that my students' privacy and data are protected while using the Heartland Cyber Range?

Our Terms of Use dictate that children under 18 have their parent’s consent to use the range, and that information for students 13 or under may only be provided by the parent or legal guardian, in accordance with COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act).

Can I use the Heartland Cyber Range to teach specific cybersecurity concepts or skills in my curriculum?

The Heartland Cyber Range is designed with educators in mind. You can easily set up exercises and challenges to teach specific cybersecurity concepts in a way that's engaging and informative for your students.

Are there different levels or difficulty settings for the exercises to accommodate students of varying skill levels?

Yes, there are different levels of difficulty settings for the exercises within the Heartland Cyber Range to accommodate students of varying skill levels. We understand that cybersecurity education should be inclusive and adaptable to the experience and expertise of each student. Therefore, the range offers exercises and challenges in a tiered fashion, allowing students to choose their appropriate difficulty level.

How will the Heartland Cyber Range align with existing curriculum standards?

The Heartland Cyber Range content aligns with the industry recognized NICE Framework, which is a nationally recognized framework developed by the U.S. government to help individuals and organizations identify, categorize, and understand the various roles and specialties within cybersecurity. The NICE Framework helps educational institutions and training providers align programs with the needs of the cybersecurity workforce. This ensures that students and trainees acquire the relevant skills and knowledge for their chosen career paths within their Heartland Cyber Range experience.