THE ROLE OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ARAB SCHOOLS IN THE NEGEV

Over the past two decades, the world has witnessed rapid advancements across various fields, including technology, communication, and education.These transformations have fundamentally reshaped how knowledge is transferred and shared among individuals, with technology becoming an integral part of our daily lives and educational systems.These changes were primarily driven by significant advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), which introduced a new dimension to the educational process, making it more dynamic and inclusive.Among the technological innovations that have redefined modern education, distance learning stands out as one of the most influential methods, reshaping teaching and learning practices.Previously regarded as a limited alternative, distance learning has now become a core component of global education systems.This mode of education has provided learners with unprecedented opportunities to acquire knowledge and develop skills in flexible environments unbound by geography or time constraints.The evolution of distance learning is a natural response to several factors.First, there is a growing demand for higher education and advanced skills in the global job market, which traditional methods alone cannot fully address.Second, the widespread availability of internet technology and smart devices has facilitated access to digital educational resources, making distance learning more effective and appealing to learners of all ages and backgrounds.Despite its clear benefits, distance learning presents undeniable challenges, particularly regarding social interaction between students and teachers.Social interaction is a cornerstone of traditional education, fostering understanding, idea exchange, and the development of social skills among learners.Classroom interactions go beyond mere information exchange, extending to building personal relationships, providing peer support, and nurturing a sense of belonging within an educational community.