Foreword
Abstract
By the grace of Allah, it is a great pleasure to introduce this issue of The International Journal on Islamic Applications in Computer Science and Technology
During the 13th year of the publication of this Journal, this issue is the 51st of this journal. We thank Allah for enabling us to continue all through these years.
With the wide specialization of this Journal, it attracted contributions from researchers from all over the world. We pray to Allah to put his “Baraka” in the contents of the Journal and spread the fruits of its contents in the future.
This issue contains two papers. The first one is entitled: Implementing Computational Thinking Methods & Models in Computer Science Education
This project investigates the implementation of Computational Thinking (CT) methods and models within the computer science curriculum at the middle and high school levels. With a growing need to equip students with innovative problem-solving skills relevant to the digital age, CT emerges as a foundational approach that transcends programming, fostering skills such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. This project proposes a structured professional development workshop to introduce CT concepts to computer science teachers, enabling them to embed these methods into their daily instruction. A preliminary survey conducted among Saudi computer science teachers revealed a limited familiarity with CT, reinforcing the need for targeted training. The proposed five-day workshop includes interactive sessions with practical examples across disciplines, curriculum integration strategies, and lesson development guided by CT principles. An evaluation plan is designed to assess teachers’ understanding and instructional application of CT before and after the workshop. Ultimately, this initiative aims to transform teaching practices, promote computational literacy across subjects, and prepare students to think like computer scientists—an essential step in building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven society.
The second paper is entitled: Importance of Managing Social Media to Preserve the Intellect: An Islamic Ethical Perspective
In the digital age, technology has a profound impact on cognitive health, knowledge dissemination, and mental well-being. While social media offers significant benefits, it also introduces challenges, such as reduced critical thinking and exposure to misinformation. Social media and influencers shape human behaviour in both positive and negative ways, making it increasingly difficult to maintain intellectual sharpness. This study examines how ethical frameworks, particularly Islamic principles like hifz al-aql (preservation of intellect) and Maqasid al-Shariah, can guide responsible social media use. This study also explores various attributes of the mind, such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity, to understand how they interact with the challenges of social media. Through comparative analysis with Western views, this study aims to provide practical insights for responsible social media use that align with Islamic values.
