The Internet in Saudi Arabia - Case Study Example

E-Learning Table of Contents I. Literature Review 3 The Country Context: Saudi Arabia 3 1. Introduction 3 2. Characteristics of Saudi Arabia 42.1.1. Population, Location and Size 4 2.1.2. The Culture of Saudi Arabia 6 2.1.3. The Economy of Saudi Arabia 6 1.3. Information and communication infrastructure in Saudi Arabia 7 3.1.1. The internet in Saudi Arabia 8 3.1.2. Internet Users in Saudi Arabia 8 3.1.3 The Use of the Internet for Academic purpose in Saudi Arabia 9 1.4. Education in Saudi Arabia 10 1.5. E-Learning in Saudi Arabia 12 5.1.1. National Centre for E-learning and Distance Learning 13 5.1.2. King Abdulla’s project to develop public education (Tatweer) 14 1.6. Conclusion 14 References 16 I. Literature Review 1. The Country Context: Saudi Arabia 1.1. Introduction The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been considered as one of the most insular nations in the Middle-East. The modern establishment of the country was discovered by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud), which has been witnessed to achieve rapid transformation in the political, economic and socio-cultural development. Over the years, the country has been able to transform itself from an underdeveloped desert kingdom to one of the wealthiest countries within the Middle East region. The existence and appropriate usage of its huge oil resources has long been witnessed as the primary factors leading to achieve continuous economic development (Al-Rasheed, 2010). Keeping with an in-depth analysis of the country i.e. Saudi Arabia, the primary aim of this study is to bring a critical understanding about the major characteristics of Saudi Arabia by reviewing the work of different scholars and their valuable research studies. This section also critically explores the existing information and communication infrastructure in in the KSA along with the educational environment of the nation. In addition, the section describes the e-learning and distance learning facilities and structures that provide major support towards the continuous improvement of the country. With this regard, the section will further focus on critically evaluating the Tatweer, a project for developing public education developed by King Abdulla in the context of modernization of educational infrastructure across the whole nation. 1.2. Characteristics of Saudi Arabia Numbers of scholars have critically demonstrated the economic and socio-cultural transformation of the KSA over the last few decades. The scholars have also been witnessed to clearly define the major characteristics of the nations in terms of its demographics along with infrastructure development. The following are few of the major characteristics of the nation that are described by various scholars. 2.1.1. Population, Location and Size According to the recent statistical report of the Central Department of Statistics and Information (2014), the current population of the country is approximately 29,994,272 with a population growth rate of 2.7% (Central Department of Statistics and Information, 2014). In relation to the report, it has been identified that the country has gained a better control towards balancing the average growth of population across its different states. However, the population growth rate of the country has been witnessed to achieve a balanced growth in the context of both male and female across its different states. According to Cordesman (2003), KSA has been witnessing an average growth of population with a rate of 3.5% of its total population in the year 2000. Major changes relating to its population growth rates since the period of twentieth century has also been reported in Saudi Arabia (Cordesman, 2003). Correspondingly, the recent statistical report of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (2014) has clearly stated that the age group of 25years to29 years and 30 years to 34 years comprises the two major proportion of population within the KSA. Accordingly, it has been projected that the population will grow by1.49% in the year 2014 over its existing total population. The following graphical illustration depicts the numbers of population from different age groups in Saudi Arabia. Source: (Central Intelligence Agency, 2014) In relation to the location and size, the country analysis report of Central Intelligence Agency (2014) reflects that Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East, north of Yemen and shares its borders with the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. The country is spread across 2,149,690 sq. km. which is full of land. In comparison to United States (US), Saudi Arabia can be identified as one-fifth as the area of the United States. 2.1.2. The Culture of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is an Islamic nation with a majority of Sunni Muslims, around 85% to 90% and 10% to 15% are from Shia. In this regard the study made by Obeidat & et.al. (2012) reflected that the population of the KSA imbibes strong cultural aspects devoted to Islamic values and beliefs. Majority of Arabian are likely to move on the cultural paradigms developed by the Islamic beliefs. Accordingly, the religion is recognized as one of the foremost and distinctive factors of the Arabian culture. The social life along with traditions within the country is deeply rooted in Islamic values and is considered to be a set of major aspects that develop a complete way of life. In the context of the cultural studies made by the Hofstede Centre (2013), reveals that majority of Arabian population have considerably higher rate of power distance and tendency of strong uncertainty avoidance. Moreover, the study also depicts that the population of the country also have a higher level of collectivism with a moderate level of masculinity, wherein the female population are seen to be underprivileged to claim their equality rights across the different states of the nation (The Hofstede Centre, 2013). 2.1.3. The Economy of Saudi Arabia The consistent economic growth is one of the major and key factors leading to the continuous development of the country. In this regard, the statistical report of Central Intelligence Agency (2014) significantly indicated that the unabated economic development primarily due to the presence of vast oil reserves within the country. KSA is further considered as one of the leading countries amongst the other oiled-based economic nations in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) with almost 16% total proven petroleum reserves of the world. The sector accounts for unevenly 80% of the budget revenues and contributes to 90% of export earnings and 45% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rates. As per the recent economic statistics, it has been estimated that the country had seen a growth of US$927.8 billion in its GDP during the year of 2013 which is relatively higher than the estimated amount in the 2012 and 2011. Moreover, the remarkable development in GDP per capita income also demonstrates a stable and steady growth of its economic performance. The current GDP per capita income has been reckoned to stood at US$ 31,300 in the year 2013, which is also significantly higher than the year 2012 and 2011 (Central Intelligence Agency, 2014). 1.3. Information and communication infrastructure in Saudi Arabia Information and communication infrastructure has long been witnessed to play a crucial role for economic and socio-cultural development of a country. In relation to the study of Mufti (2000), it has been recognized that the KSA is experiencing a rapid development in its information and communication infrastructure. The free market economy of the country has been observed to undergo a number of remarkable infrastructural developments particularly in technology and communication areas (Mufti, 2000). According to Khatib (2012), it has been observed that oil and infrastructure development plays a pivotal role for the KSA to stimulate and sustain its strong economic growth, which the country has been able to carry out over the last few decades in the most efficient manner. . With regard to the observation, it has been identified that the Saudi Government spends an average of US$1 billion in each financial year on developing its infrastructure facilities including transportation system, communication and other essential sectors. During the period of 1999 to 2007, the government of the country has increased the total amount of expenditure on infrastructure development activities due to the expanded improvement of its oil export operations (Khatib, 2012). 3.1.1. The internet in Saudi Arabia The emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can also be considered as a major aspect contributing towards the continuous and accelerated development of the country. In this context, the establishment of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has been observed to play a crucial role within the nation. According to the report of CITC (2009), the commission, since its establishment in the year 1997 is involve in effective regulation of communication and technology services across its different regions s. In relation to the study of the report, it has been critically identified that the usage of internet has considered as an integrated tool for the society and economy of KSA, which plays a critical role for the country to stimulate performance efficiency of its education, trade, communication and different other sectors. In the context of internet penetration rate, the nation has been achieving steady growth of 30% in 2007, 36% in 2008 and 40% of annual growth rate in the year 2009 (Communications and Information Technology Commission, 2009). 3.1.2. Internet Users in Saudi Arabia According to the study made by the CITC (2009), KSA has been observed to experience an accelerated growth of the internet users across its different states. The steady progress in individual users has witnessed a growth rate of 53% in the year 2009, which is a remarkable achievement of the country (Communications and Information Technology Commission, 2009). Correspondingly, KSA has also been observed to increase the usage of internet services for establishing business. The computer ownership among business establishments of the nation has also been witnessed to achieve growth of 82% in the year 2009 (Communications and Information Technology Commission, 2009). In addition, CITC (2013) has also critically indicated that the trend of using internet services achieved a higher penetration rate with 55% during the first quarter of the year 2013. The penetration rate is generally developed by a higher amount of usage made by the users for different purposes including education, business, administrative works, healthcare services and social media among others (Communications and Information Technology Commission, 2013). 3.1.3 The Use of the Internet for Academic purpose in Saudi Arabia Educational areas can be regarded as one of the major and leading sectors in the KSA, which have a higher rate penetration rate of using internet services. According to the annual survey of CITC (2009), it has been clearly identified that the country achieved a 100% penetration rate within the period of 2007 to 2009 across the different educational institutions regardless of their size and locations. According to the study of Al-Maliki (2013), the usage of internet services has become a key aspect for the educational system in the KSA. The continuous evolution of CITC plays a crucial role for the learners to gain adequate and updated learning system for their educational curriculum activities irrespective of their existing educational profiles. Moreover, it has also critically explained that the modern educational system highly focuses on developing environment which can facilitate students from various levels including primary to post-graduate educational backgrounds. The government has also been observed to engage in developing a number of projects in order to increase the use of internet for different academic purposes. In this regard, the government has also built noteworthy strides towards promoting and developing IT infrastructures for schools, colleges and universities (Al-Maliki, 2013). In addition, Al-Najar (2001) and Al-Jarf (n.d.), the use of internet services has remarkably emerged the educational backgrounds of the students to obtain higher education from different globally renowned institutions. In this context, it has been observed that the internet services in the KSA facilitates the graduates and other post-graduate students to efficiently counsel with the global academic institutions and increase their knowledge and experiences (Al-Najar, 2001; Al-Jarf, n.d.). 1.4. Education in Saudi Arabia In relation to the current educational environment of the KSA, Smith & Abouammoh (2013) has critically stated that the educational system of the country is recognized to be as one of the primary segments that receives considerably higher priority in the government’s developmental strategies (Smith & Abouammoh, 2013). With reference to the study made by Al-Maliki (2013), it has been identified that the government of KSA incorporates a strong policy and regulatory guidelines regarding its educational system and infrastructure. The primary aims of the educational policy in the KSA is to make more efficient mechanism that can enable to meet needs associated with religion, socio-cultural and economic conditions in the most efficient manner. Moreover, the study also revealed that the policies relating to the educational system also determine to eliminate the illiteracy rate of the Saudi adults irrespective of their demographic variances. The Ministry of Education (MoE) in the KSA has set out a number of strong principles regarding the educational system, which further facilitates the educational infrastructure to gain their quality while delivering education to each groups of students (Al-Maliki, 2013). Additionally, Al-Otaibi (2005) also reveals that the agency also incorporates adequate principles and policies regarding the facility of special educational procedures for the students with physical disabilities and ensures to provide opportunities to study in various overseas locations (Al-Otaibi, 2005). According to Alquraini (2011), MoE ensures to take adequate responsibility towards offering effective and free educational services to each group of Saudi adults including the individuals with physical disabilities. The department also bears the responsibilities to make continuous development of the educational infrastructures, curriculums along with quality based training and development programs for the educators to improve the existing educational environment within the country (Alquraini, 2011). The study of Al-Maliki (2013) further revealed that MoE department is also been continuously striving to promote educational facilities for Saudi girls. According to the observation, it has been recognized that the department has acquired the responsibilities by dissolving the authority of the General Presidency for Girls’ Education in the year 2003. In the present day context, the department and its active agencies are responsible to administer the educational system developed for the girls irrespective of their different levels including nursery schooling to their college programs (Al-Maliki, 2013). With regard to the analysis made by Al-Shawi & Al-Wabil (2008), the widespread implementation of internet applications in the educational system in late 1990s has been observed to remarkably improve the higher educational environment of the country. The universities and higher educational service providers had been observed to widely accept the use of internet applications in order to deliver global based educational curriculum to the Saudi adults. Moreover, the study also reveals that the adoption of internet in the higher educational system also provides a major support to the educators in terms of improving their teaching programs and developing effective curriculum for the learners. The integration has further witnessed to improve the teaching capability of the educators by counseling with different scholars located across the different geographical locations (Al-Shawi & Al-Wabil, 2008). 1.5. E-Learning in Saudi Arabia The unabated development of internet services along with its widespread adoption has been witnessed to bring major improvement in the educational system of the KSA. In this context, Ali & et. al. (2003) have critically revealed that the extensive integration of different internet tools and their continuous development has enabled the learners to gain quality based educational facilities with the help of electronic learning also known as e-learning mechanism. According to the study, it has been delineated that the e-learning model refers to the acquisition of knowledge as well skills through the mediation of information along with different training and developmental abilities from a considerably distant locations. The mechanism also encompasses a wide range of technological tools and elements that enables individuals to efficiently gain knowledge and skills from different global sources (Ali & et. al, 2003). By considering the significance and efficacy of the model, Alkhalaf & et.al (2010) has significantly stated that e-learning model has been widely accepted by the KSA Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in the year of 2008. In order to gain the maximum effectiveness, the department has established National Centre for E-learning & Distance Learning with the aim of spreading and promoting the e-Learning systems in the leading universities of the nation. The study made by Aljabre (2012) establishment of the mechanism in the universities has enabled the MoHE to stimulate a continuous development regarding the skills and knowledge of each distance learner located across different states of the country. According to the annual turnover of the e-Learning industry, the study also indicates that the MoE had received an amount of US$125 million due widespread expansion of e-learning and its growing popularity amid the learners from different states of the country (Aljabre, 2012). 5.1.1. National Centre for E-learning and Distance Learning Founded in the year 2005, the National Centre for E-learning and Distance Learning can be recognized as one of the major projects developed by the MoE of the KSA. The primary aim of the Ministry regarding the establishment of e-Learning was to make the mechanism (eLearning) to be the key successive factor and stimulate the distance education provided by the Saudi universities (Alshwaier & et.al, 2012). The National Center for e-Learning and Distance Learning is envisioned with the concept of empowering individuals through creative learning mechanism promoted by the model and provide lifelong support to these individuals. Moreover, according to the observation of the report published by the International Exhibition and Conference for Higher Education (IECHE) (n.d.) reveals that coordinating the efforts of the university education institutions to widely adopt the e-Learning mechanism and simultaneously facilitating them to deliver e-Learning to a wide range of Saudi learners is also a major aim of the Ministry to integrate e-Learning in the educational environment of the KSA. In addition, overcoming issues associated with availability of skilled and highly knowledgeable educators and broadening educational environment for each group of Saudi students has also been recognized as a major aim of the Ministry to adopt e-Learning mechanism in the country (International Exhibition and Conference for Higher Education, n.d.). In relation to the recent phenomenon, the e-Learning mechanism in the educational settings of the universities educational institutions have been identified to carry out number of educational projects in order to provide higher education to the individuals. 5.1.2. King Abdulla’s project to develop public education (Tatweer) Founded in the year 2009, Tatweer Education Holding Company (THC) is an innovative and strategic initiative of the Saudi Government to promote educational development within the nation Historically, the THC was established primarily with a wider vision of supporting educational systems along with establishment and continuous management of the educational projects that are conducted by the institution across the different states of the Kingdom (Tatweer Education Holding Company, 2012). According to the Ghaith (2011), the primary objective of THC to implement the strategic direction of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Project for Development of Public Education along with different other initiatives in order to increase the quality of educational services within the nation. Reflecting upon the critical understanding, the project for developing public educational setting along with planning and implementing effective actions are being aimed at delivering distinctive values to the educational service sectors. The initiative also determines the process of launching and scaling innovative businesses ideas that can enable the initiative itself to stand on its own merits as subsidiaries. 1.6. Conclusion The emergence of e-Learning mechanism has been identified to be a major element for the global nations towards improving the quality of learning environment of the universities and other form of institutions. The model delivers a wide-spread beneficial aspect for reinforcing the educational setting and promoting the interests and values of the educational institutions to a larger group of learners. In relation to the current educational environment of the KSA, the country has been observed to extensively implement an effective set of e-Learning tools that enables the public and privately held academic institutions to provide knowledge and quality based learning to a far-reaching Saudi adults. In addition, overcoming issues associated with availability of skilled and highly knowledgeable educators and broadening educational environment for each group of Saudi students has also been regarded as a major aim of the Ministry to adopt e-Learning mechanism in the country (International Exhibition and Conference for Higher Education, n.d.). According to the understanding from the recent studies, it has been reckoned that the Ministries associated with the educational sector of the country are highly focused on developing a number of effective projects and initiatives in order to make continuous development of the educational services. For instance, the initiative such as Tatweer can be regarded as one of the major considerations of the Saudi Ministry of Education in terms of increasing value and quality of the country’s educational settings and services. References Al-Jarf, R. S., No Date. Connecting Students across Universities in Saudi Arabia. Project Outcomes. [Online] Available at: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED497940.pdf [Accessed June 02, 2014]. Alquraini, T., 2011. Special Education in Saudi Arabia: Challenges, Perspectives, Future Possibilities. International Journal of Special Education, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 1-10. Al-Maliki, S. Q. A., 2013. 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