Teaching Informatics in Saudi Arabian Public Schools: Current National Status, International Prospective, and Future Plan

The current study aimed at establishing a nationwide plan for teaching computer and information technology (CIT) in Saudi Arabian public schools. For this purpose, a survey study has been carried out and applied to a selected sample representing Saudi Arabian secondary schools', the survey begins by dealing with current conditions and facts of computer education in our schools, including issues like hardware, software, labs, etc., and ends by exploring problems confronting computer teachers and curriculum/ teaching matters. At the same time, we have organized similar survey projects conducted in three highly industrialized countries: USA, Japan, and UK. By comparing the results of the survey in these four countries, the findings have shown that the USA has the leading rank among these countries, in a!! matters, starting from types and quality of equipment used, and facilities, and ending in curriculum and teaching methods. The study has detected a wide gap in computer and information technology education between our schools and similar schools in the USA, Japan, and UK The study concludes by proposing a nationwide educational plan for teaching CIT in Saudi Arabian public schools