Sociology of Education and Digital Transformation - A Sociological Approach to the Transformations of the Educational System in Contemporary Society-

Abstract

The contemporary world is witnessing profound and rapid transformations driven by the digital revolution, which has impacted various social, economic, and cultural spheres. The education sector has been significantly affected by these changes. Education is no longer limited to the transmission of knowledge within traditional classrooms; it has become a dynamic social process where technology intertwines with pedagogical, cultural, and value-based dimensions. This has led to a reshaping of the functions of educational institutions and the roles of their stakeholders. In this context, the sociology of education emerges as a field of knowledge concerned with understanding the nature of the transformations imposed by digitalization on schools and universities, and analyzing its impact on learning patterns, socialization, and educational relationships within contemporary society.

This research aims to study digitalization from a sociological perspective, highlighting its repercussions on the roles of teachers and learners, on modern teaching methods based on interaction, self-directed learning, and distance education, as well as its impact on the production and dissemination of knowledge. It also discusses the most important social and educational challenges associated with digitalization, particularly in the Arab and Algerian contexts, given the disparities in access to technology and the weakness of digital infrastructure. The research addresses the most prominent challenges arising from digital transformation, such as the digital divide, the issue of cultural identity, and the impact of digital media on values ​​and social relations, in addition to the issue of the quality and effectiveness of education. Therefore, the importance of adopting a critical sociological approach becomes clear, as it contributes to guiding digital transformation towards achieving educational equity and building a knowledge society and sustainable development.