Student participation in cyber defense competitions provides an environment different from a normal classroom/lab situation and thereby providing an opportunity for alternative learning and motivation. These competitions are characterized by intense three-day situational exposure to real-life network management, administration and security issues. This experience appears to increase motivation and engagement in student’s learning. Students who participate in these competitions gain a perspective of the limits of their current knowledge, the benefits of a more extensive understanding of technical concepts, and the significance of integrating content from a number of areas.