Introduction

Pursuing a specific course plays a critical role in influencing the career path one follows in the future. Many successful entrepreneurs have urged learners to closely scrutinize the course within the career path they wish to pursue. This is due to the aspect that it is within this career path that they will be working for a considerable time in the future. The pursuit of this course may equip the learners with the necessary knowledge and skills, giving them the relevant expertise in the course. I will be talking about Digital Forensics, a course I am currently pursuing.

Reasons why I am pursuing Digital Forensics Course

I have always had an interest in working in the computer-related field. However, with a rise in aspects such as cybercrime, I am interested in working in an area that utilizes digital technology to address such problems. The Digital Forensics course will enable me to have the skills to legally collect, process, analyze, explore, and ensure the preservation of the cybercrime evidence. I have had my email, and social media sites hacked in the past (though I could retrieve them) and have also encountered several relatives and friends who have lost their essential accounts and even funds from cybercrime. I believe that by pursuing this course, I will be able to have the capacity to use digital technology to address activities such as hacking and targeted virus attacks, among others. This will play an essential role in enabling people to use technology without fearing that their digital devices will be compromised.

History of Digital Forensics Course

It is fair to say that the Digital Forensics Course is a relatively new course within the educational context. However, it is worth noting that it extends the previous forensics whereby computer technology has been adopted. It is worth noting that advanced security bodies have been using digital forensic technology for more than 20 years, and it is only recently that a need to incorporate the same within the education context has become of the essence.

Lecturer of the Course

The lecturer for this Course is Dr. Jeetendra Pande, who works as an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani. Due to various aspects, Dr. Pande has an in-depth comprehension and command of the course. For example, he has more than 15 research papers on broader cybersecurity topics and his current interest in cyber security and computer forensics. He is also the coordinator of one of the popular courses on Introduction to Cyber Security, which is also offered through SWAYAM. He is also a certified Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI). Moreover, he has won several awards in digital technology Innovations, making him an expert in the area.

My Competency Skills

I have several certificates that prepare me for this course. For example, I have an Advanced Computer Certificate, which equips me with an advanced comprehension of the computer language. In addition, I have undertaken short courses in computer security, enabling me to know minor cybersecurity issues. As such, I believe that I have the basic information about digital technology, computer data security, and malware.

Success factors in this course

To succeed in the digital forensic course, I have the relevant experience and skills that will enable me to pursue the course effectively. For example, I have the necessary technical and Analytical Skills, Strong Communication Skills, familiarity with Networking Concepts, effective command of cybersecurity concepts, and attention to detail. In addition, I have the aspiration to learn about the various discoveries and developments within the computer forensic course, an aspect that will enable me to have the relevant prerequisites for being successful.

The course in details

Digital forensics is a broad course encompassing various topics. It comprises issues such as cybercrime, Forensics Readiness, Digital Forensics Investigation Process, Digital Evidence and First Responder Procedure, Windows Forensics, and Network Forensics, among others. The course is both theoretical and practical, with the latter being more detailed. There were many discussion sessions which enabled many students to facilitate collaborative learning. There were certificates for various accomplishments within the course. I believe that the broader learning process was done effectively.

Grading of the Course

There were many tests and quizzes which were held weekly. The formative assessment encompassed 20% of the total marks of the entire course. In addition, there were end-term exams that were undertaken through multiple-choice questions based on the National Testing Agency. I felt that these tests were fairly done, and they greatly motivated students to work hard.

Time Commitment for the Course

We spent 5 hours a week learning the course. This was in line with the requirements of what the syllabus stipulated. Overall, the course utilized 12 weeks which was within the provision of the course layout.

Conclusion

Pursuing and learning the course was entirely successful as it enabled me to gain the relevant knowledge and skills that the digital forensic course requires. In addition, I was able to gain expertise in the critical areas of the course, such as Identification, Preservation, Analysis, Documentation, and Presentation.

What Next

I have learned that to improve my expertise in the course; there is a need to take other classes similar to the digital forensic course. There are courses which I am considering pursuing (or I can recommend to others) due to their relation to the current course. For example, I plan to choose one among the following courses; Mobile Forensics, Database Security and Forensics, Cyber Incident Response and Penetration Testing, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, and Cyber Defense.