Case Study: Empowering Practical Learning Through Industry-Aligned Labs
A prominent college system partnered with ACI Learning to enhance its cybersecurity and IT degree programs by integrating hands-on, virtual lab environments. These labs, designed to mimic real-world scenarios, are seamlessly embedded into courses across undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with essential practical experience in a secure setting. For college administrators, this partnership offers a blueprint for how to modernize curriculum design, improve student outcomes, and prepare graduates for high-demand careers in cybersecurity and IT—without overhauling existing structures.
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
The college system serves a wide range of students, including those preparing for certification exams and individuals pursuing advanced degrees. To align with these goals, ACI Learning’s Skill Labs are customized to match course curricula, enabling formative and summative assessments through tailored lab sets. Notably, upper-level courses such as Security Assessment and Auditing, Digital Forensics, and Risk Management leverage ACI Learning's labs as capstone projects, reinforcing learning outcomes and career readiness.
Driving Program Expansion
This academic partner recently revamped its undergraduate cybersecurity program and is launching a new master’s program to address the growing demand for skilled professionals. By embedding ACI Learning’s labs in foundational and advanced courses, the institution ensures students gain relevant, industry-specific skills aligned with certification standards. Future plans include exploring ACI Learning’s ITPro and on-demand content to support IT degree revisions.
Flexible Access, Enhanced Outcomes
The partnership also reflects a thoughtful revenue model, granting students 6-month access to lab content that aligns with degree pacing. Labs are funded through tuition payments and financial aid, ensuring equitable access across funding sources. This collaboration not only modernizes course offerings but also positions the college system as a leader in equipping students for competitive IT and cybersecurity roles.
