Social workers practice to social counseling by using digital technology and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic in schools in the Sultanate of Oman

Almanji, Saif

doi:10.21608/fjssj.2023.244701.1190

Social workers practice to social counseling by using digital technology and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic in schools in the Sultanate of Oman

Author

Saif Almanji

upsi

10.21608/fjssj.2023.244701.1190

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented transformation in the field of education. It has compelled social workers in schools in the Sultanate of Oman to swiftly adopt remote social counseling services in response to the complexities of uncertain and high-risk circumstances. This study explores the advantages and challenges faced by social workers while practicing social counseling using digital technology and social media during the pandemic in Omani schools. The research involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten school social workers, and thematic analysis was employed to unveil key insights. The study's findings indicate that the advantages of practicing social counseling using digital technology and social media include flexibility in delivering remote counseling services and the acquisition of skills and experience in this domain. However, there are notable challenges, such as a lack of digital competence and readiness of services and applications related to remote social counseling. These results emphasize the potential for transitioning to remote social counseling services while underscoring the need to address challenges associated with their ongoing implementation.

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