Informatics Education for Students of Science and Technology (STEM) In Egypt and the role of the educational system in these schools in promoting them: a field study

The aim of this study is to explore the level of informatics culture and
research capabilities of STEM students in Egypt and to clarify the role of the
educational system in promoting informatics culture. The study was based on
descriptive analytical method. The questionnaire was used as a main tool for data
collection. It was given to the students of six schools. The total number of
questionnaires received was 90.8% for 314 questionnaires.
The most important results of the study are: The student has been the
focus of the learning process in the STEM schools and has an active role in it.
The process of learning in STEM schools is based on information technology
tools and proficiency in English. Whereas the laboratories and school libraries
came at the top of the positive aspects of STEM schools, the poor internet
connection in many STEM schools happened to be a main disadvantage. 57.6 %
of the students were fully aware of the concept of informatics culture. The
preparation of the capstone projects was the main motives for obtaining
information.
The search for information on the internet has become on top of
searching skills of students. As a result, the use of the Internet and information
technology has promoted the informatics culture of students by 73.9 %, while the
educational system of the STEM schools has increased by 58.1%. Among the
recommendations of the study is: The establishment of a cloud library affiliated
with the Ministry of Education to serve the students of the STEM schools. The
library specialists should have an effective role in supporting the informatics
culture of the school community, especially among the students.