ICT Curricula in Schools in the UAE

Abstract:

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a significant role in developing education in general and in K-12 education more specifically in different countries in the world. Promoting ICT in education is a key strategic direction in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and considered an essential component of the national education strategy. UAE has launched many initiatives aiming at integrating ICT in education. One of these initiatives in 2015 considered reviewing the earlier 2008 strategy by considering international standards. This research examines such updated standards for teaching K–12 Computer Science and technology in the light of exemplary cases extended from UK, Australia and other international organization (ISTEL, CSTA, 21st-century skills). The research draws many recommendations to further enhance ICT integration in education in the UAE.