page_title: Educational technology in Saudi Arabia
section_title: Post-internet technology and education in Saudi Arabia
hierarchical_section_title: Educational technology in Saudi Arabia / Timeline of education and technology in Saudi Arabia / Post-internet technology and education in Saudi Arabia
caption_attribution_description: English: the growth of the number of internet users in ksa
context_page_description: It highlights the history of using educational technology in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the mid-1700s, the beginning, the improvements and the current status. It also describes the rapid increase in using technology in schools, institutes and universities, and presents the attitudes of Saudi people towards this global phenomenon.
context_section_description: In 1993, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran becomes the first Saudi institution to connect to the internet.
  In 1994, Internet was first introduced to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when state academic, medical and research institutions got access to it.
  In 1997, public access to Internet was allowed.
  In 1999, the Internet was provided for college and government use. Then, Internet access begins the move from government and academic into the mainstream. Though the first few years did not notice much progress, but in following years, Internet subscription and use increased rapidly.
  In 2000, Al-Sharhan suggested that a country like Saudi Arabia with a land area of over 2 million square kilometers and a population of 16 million should consider the adoption of the use of satellite technology in its educational system. In addition, the general public was granted Internet access.
  In the early 21st century, Saudi universities use Interactive Television Technology (ITT) transmitted via fiber optic lines- a technology that provides visual and auditory communication to students in remote area who are seeking an education.
  In 2001, King Abdul Aziz City of Science and Technology (KACST) decided to fund a study that will explore the use of Internet along three major topics: …. Implications of the Internet technology for education …. Also, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) introduced asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) service for the kingdom, which significantly reduced the cost of the Internet service. ADSL made it possible for all the universities to implement more web-based instruction (WBI).
  In 2002, Saudi Arabia's nationwide educational system consisted of 11 universities, over 24.000 schools, 48 women's colleges, and over 30 colleges.
caption: The number and percentage of the population of internet users in Saudi Arabia (2001–2011)
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