Digital educational environment in the structure of socialization of primary school students: from risks to resources

This research assesses the potential of the digital educational environment for the socialization of primary school students. This issue is relevant due to the need for scientific and methodological support for the digital transformation of primary education, namely, the search for effective and safe ways to utilize the potential of the digital environment to address the socialization of primary school students. The research purpose is to theoretically substantiate and practically develop an educational mechanism for the socialization of primary school students through the integration of digital services and technologies into the educational process. Research methods: analysis, systematization, comparison, generalization, pedagogical modeling, diagnostic testing using M.I. Rozhkov's methodology “Assessing the Level of Student Socialization”. Results: a mechanism for the balanced integration of digital tools into the socialization of primary school students was developed and tested, including the use of digital educational platforms, online project forms, and social networks. A statistically significant increase in socialization indicators (social adaptability, autonomy, social activity, moral education) was found in the experimental group. Scope of application of the results: designing the content and technologies of the educational process in primary schools, developing educational programs, and improving the socialization system for students in the context of the digital transformation of education. Social implications: implementation of the results will contribute to improving the effectiveness of the socialization process for primary school students. Originality/value: the principle of balanced integration is proposed, where digital technologies are viewed as a support for real-life interaction, rather than a substitute for it. A mechanism for such integration has been developed, the effectiveness of which has been tested in an empirical study.