Strategies used to employ digital technology and social media in guidance work during the Covid-19 pandemic in schools in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

This paper discusses the strategies employed for integrating digital technology and social media into extension work during the COVID-19 pandemic in schools within the Sultanate of Oman. The study utilized the Zawahiri quality design as a systematic approach to achieve its objectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten male and female social workers in post-primary education schools located in Muscat Governorate, Sultanate of Oman, in 2022, following the approval of the Ministry of Education for the study. The data was analyzed through objective topic analysis and the identification of patterns and areas of interest. The study's findings indicated that social workers engaged in remote counseling using various applications and social media platforms such as Google Classroom, Zoom, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter. This enabled them to provide psychological and academic support to students, involve parents, and enhance collaboration between social workers and various local and international educational stakeholders, thereby leveraging their consulting expertise to deliver more efficient and effective remote counseling services.

In conclusion, this study offers valuable theoretical and practical insights for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and educational institutions seeking to integrate digital technology and social media into school counseling services in the Sultanate of Oman. It aligns with the psychological support provided by social workers while also emphasizing the importance of leadership support.