With the increase in the availability of internet services, information and knowledge resources have been made available and accessible for anyone connected to the internet. This means that anyone with an internet connection can learn anything and potentially reach an expert level on any subject matter. This holds the same for programming or secure programming knowledge, where Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools are able to provide programming solutions and guidelines on how to implement such solutions. The availability of secure programming content online requires effective approaches to improve secure programming knowledge among programmers. This research investigates and describes relevant educational theories and approaches for designing a secure programming course including constructive alignment, active learning, Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, and brain-compatible principles.