The Covid-19 pandemic in Greece led to unprecedented confinement, and schools started to transition to online education. The purpose of this paper was to explore secondary school teachers’ beliefs about online teaching presence and how this affects their practices and student performance. This study differs from previous pandemic studies, in which the purpose of research focused on mainstream teachers. In addition to student experiences, it also sought to understand the role of school support in fostering online learning.
Mathisi’s mission is to provide access to education for students in Greek public schools. Its mission is to improve education equity and foster a culture of lifelong learning in the country. The initiative has a strong international presence and collaborates with local school districts and teachers to create educational programs for students. Mathisi’s founder, Nathalie Contomichalos, is French. After pursuing a career in finance in the U.S., she moved to Greece with her husband. She is passionate about creating quality online learning opportunities for students.
The country’s high unemployment rate is a major cause of skill misallocation, especially for graduates. Greek graduates perceive their jobs as less useful than those of other EU countries, and have lower levels of self-efficacy and autonomy on the job. The lack of job placements is one of the most significant reasons why many students leave the country. On average, Greeks earn 80% more per hour outside the country. Other alternatives for graduates include self-employment, or self-employment.
The Greek government has been encouraging students to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Students who aren’t vaccinated must have a negative rapid test before attending class or entering entertainment venues. As such, students who are unable to obtain the required vaccination are unable to attend the classes or get access to the sites. These students would face numerous challenges and extra expenses as a result. The Greek government is trying to provide the best possible education for students in Greece.
The program’s activities encourage students to discover modern Greece. Program activities include walking tours of Athens, visits to museums, and evening outings to watch theatrical performances. Summer in Athens students will also enjoy a half-day trip to Attica’s scenic coastline and the ancient temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. Weekend trips may include visiting the royal tombs of Mycenae, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, or the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Students can also visit the volcanic island of Santorini.
The results of this study are promising. The students surveyed reported that their grades improved significantly in final exams and that their classes had reduced between lectures. Moreover, they had a high degree of agreement with each other on the length of time needed for Q&A sessions. Overall, the researchers concluded that online education is a viable option for many Greek students. The study findings have important implications for online education, as well as for the future of distance education in Greece. “Thessaloniki, Greece”