Emerging Digital Issues Necessary for the Development of Upper Elementary School Curricula in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research explores emerging digital issues for developing Islamic studies curricula for the upper primary stage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on religious education and Islamic studies. The study used a mixed method with an exploratory design, including qualitative and quantitative methods. The research participants consisted of six primary school teachers for the interviews, and 18 experts in curricula, teaching methods in elementary education for the survey tool. The research identified several emerging digital issues suitable for primary school students, including etiquette of dealing with the Internet and social networking sites. Experts proposed appropriate treatments for students, including etiquette of speaking, dialogue, correspondence, writing, listening, saying hello, sleeping, using mobile phones, video games, and protecting students from bullying. Digital Intellectual Security was the most important digital issue, indicating its impact on student behaviors. The research concluded that, the emerging digital issues necessary for the development of Islamic studies curricula reached (19) issues and (103) indicators. The ethics of dealing with the Internet, computers, and smart devices ranked first (41.2%), followed by digital crimes (37.3%), ethics and behaviors of dealing with the Internet (15.7%), and digital security (5.8%).