Gameful Introduction to Cryptography for Dyslexic Students

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that dyslexic high-school students can effectively learn cryptography through engaging, game-based workshops, challenging assumptions about learning difficulties in complex subjects.

Contribution

It introduces a gameful teaching approach for cryptography tailored to dyslexic students, showing their ability to grasp complex concepts.

Findings

Dyslexic students engaged well in the workshop

Students learned fundamental encryption methods

Dyslexia does not hinder cryptography comprehension

Abstract

Cryptography has a pivotal role in securing our digital world. Nonetheless, it is a challenging topic to learn. In this paper, we show that despite its complex nature, dyslexia$-$a learning disorder that influences reading and writing skills$-$does not hinder one's ability to comprehend cryptography. In particular, we conducted a gameful workshop with 14 high-school dyslexic students and taught them fundamental encryption methods. The students engaged well, learned the techniques, and enjoyed the training. We conclude that with a proper approach, dyslexia cannot hinder learning a complex subject such as cryptography.