  This Innovative Practice full paper describes a technical innovation for
scalable teaching of cybersecurity hands-on classes using interactive learning
environments. Hands-on experience significantly improves the practical skills
of learners. However, the preparation and delivery of hands-on classes usually
do not scale. Teaching even small groups of students requires a substantial
effort to prepare the class environment and practical assignments. Further
issues are associated with teaching large classes, providing feedback, and
analyzing learning gains. We present our research effort and practical
experience in designing and using learning environments that scale up hands-on
cybersecurity classes. The environments support virtual networks with
full-fledged operating systems and devices that emulate real-world systems.
  (...)
  Using the presented environments KYPO Cyber Range Platform and Cyber Sandbox
Creator, we delivered the classes on-site or remotely for various target groups
of learners (K-12, university students, and professional learners). The
learners value the realistic nature of the environments that enable exercising
theoretical concepts and tools. The instructors value time-efficiency when
preparing and deploying the hands-on activities. Engineering and computing
educators can freely use our software, which we have released under an
open-source license. We also provide detailed documentation and exemplary
hands-on training to help other educators adopt our teaching innovations and
enable sharing of reusable components within the community.
