Social workers counseling practices using digital technology and social media in distance learning during the covid-19 pandemic and the educatianal leadership support for them in school s in the Sultanate of Oman

The purpose of this study was to explore the way social workers using digital technology and social media to deliver remote counseling services in high schools during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Sultanate of Oman. It also aimed to explore the advantages and challenges of using digital technology and social media during their remote practices. Moreover, the study was described the role of school leadership in supporting social workers remote counseling services practices using digital technology and social media. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative design. With in-depth, semi-structured interviews, the study sample included 10 high school social workers from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, using purposive sampling during 2022. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to elucidate significant themes and patterns. The study's findings indicated that social workers used various applications and platforms to deliver their counseling to students, such as Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The findings of this study show that practicing remote counseling using digital technology and social media added enjoyment and flexibility to their work and provided valuable experience in remote counseling. However, challenges included psychological pressure and burnout due to a lack of digital proficiency, and inadequate technical infrastructure in schools, such as poor or non-existent internet connectivity. Remarkably, the study emphasized the significance of support provided by school leadership to integrate digital technology and social media into school counseling by offering both psychological and practical support to ensure the continuity of their remote counseling services effectively. The study recommended the importance of cooperation with local and international specialists and experts to help social workers benefit from technological and remote counseling by using digital technology and social media in school settings in the Sultanate of Oman. Overall, the study provided valuable theoretical and practical contributions to policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and educational institutions for further development.