Panos Panagiotidis | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (original) (raw)

Papers by Panos Panagiotidis

European Journal of Education

New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the de... more New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), lead to a new reality in which the secure flow of data is non-negotiable. In this new reality, blockchain technology can play a crucial role, as it has the ability to provide the necessary background for the safe and inviolable operation of systems. Blockchain is a distributed ledger, in which information and data are stored and verified. These blocks of data do not have to be related to financial transactions but may concern any other type of data that needs to be securely recorded and not changed retrospectively. Although the first application of blockchain technology was about digital currency (Bitcoin), its usefulness is not limited to cryptocurrencies or the field of economics. Blockchain, especially in its last stage v3.0, has many applications in various sectors such as data storage, certification of products and services, government, ins...

&... more ""This paper presents a recently conducted experiment aiming at the development, implementation and accreditation of multimedia courses for specific purposes in foreign language departments. Considering the EU policy highlighted in the Action Plan 2004-2006 “Promoting language learning and linguistic diversity” and having in mind the new European frame emerged after the Bologna Declaration, the development of new skills through new academic curricula, seems inevitable. Several attempts have been made towards this direction, and many technological applications have been developed. These products have proved their efficiency especially in domains concerning knowledge management, content delivery and administration of the procedure of learning. However, from methodological as well as from technical point of view, weaknesses can be noticed. This paper presents an alternative proposal of a distance-learning study program, attempting on the one hand to offer traditional subjects such as literature and theatre in a technological environment, and on the other, to deliver courses for the development of new skills concerning language learning for specific purposes and the use of ICT.""

Virtual Worlds are among the fastest growing areas of web 2.0, as they dispose characteristics th... more Virtual Worlds are among the fastest growing areas of web 2.0, as they dispose characteristics that promote the development of all kinds of applications not only for communication and entertainment, but for education, as well. This work highlights the importance of Virtual Worlds, their potential and their contribution to foreign language education and explores the perspectives for further exploitation. Virtual Worlds can be an important tool for the cooperative learning of a foreign language and culture, and can facilitate the acquisition of the target language, while also promoting interdisciplinarity through their multi-potential dimension. The present paper presents implementations of the use of Virtual Worlds for foreign language education through interdisciplinary approaches with particular emphasis on foreign language learning and culture.

Langues & Cultures, Dec 25, 2020

La présente contribution explore les possibilités d'utilisation de la Réalité Augmentée d... more La présente contribution explore les possibilités d'utilisation de la Réalité Augmentée dans l'enseignement/apprentissage des langues et, plus précisément, du français langue étrangère (FLE). La Réalité Augmentée est une technologie qui, grâce à la pénétration croissante des technologies/appareils mobiles, peut désormais être utilisée pour l'enseignement des langues étrangères. Les auteurs de cette publication se proposent de contribuer au débat concernant l'exploitation des applications de Réalité Augmentée comme outils pédagogiques en classe de langue. Le texte présente le champ de recherche et les caractéristiques de cette technologie ainsi que les facteurs qui influencent son intégration aux cours de langues. Enfin, cet article vise à décrire une expérience menée auprès des étudiants hellénophones du Département de Langue et de Littérature françaises de l'Université Aristote afin de démontrer comment la Réalité Augmentée peut être utilisée pour développer la compétence de production orale. Mots-clés: Réalité Augmentée-apprentissage mobile-FLE-production orale. Abstract This contribution explores the possibilities of using Augmented Reality in the teaching and learning of foreign languages and, more specifically, of French as a foreign language.

Proceedings of the 16th International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI, 2023). pp. 2440 – 2448. ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8. , 2023

As technology offers education more and more possibilities, services, tools and innovative applic... more As technology offers education more and more possibilities, services, tools and innovative applications, the need for the adoption of new alternative methodological approaches, which utilize technological innovations in order to maximize learning results, becomes more apparent. In this direction, this paper studies the application of the flipped classroom methodology in language education and the effect it has on learning outcomes. Initially, a brief literature review focusing on the studies conducted from 2015 to 2022 is presented. The results of the bibliographic research show that the flipped classroom model contributes significantly to the improvement of student performance and increases the degree of satisfaction of both students and teachers. The paper also presents an application of a method developed for EFL students in Greek public primary schools. It is a research in progress that includes the application of the flipped classroom methodology, in combination with differentiated learning, based on an LMS. For this application, special educational material was created, using a variety of web 2.0 tools. Two groups of students participated in the research: the first attended the courses in the traditional way, and the second, the technologically enhanced courses, using flipperentiated learning (flipped classroom and differentiated learning). The initial results show a more active involvement of the students in the learning process, increased autonomy, and responsibility on their part, as well as improved performance, compared to the classic traditional teaching model. It is also observed that the application of the method affects both the motivation and the degree of satisfaction of both students and teachers. Finally, the present study also demonstrates the effectiveness of the flipped classroom in providing differentiated learning to heterogeneous student bodies, i.e., different learning styles, abilities and needs.

Proceedings of the 16th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI, 2023). pp. 2413 – 2421. ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8. , 2023

New technological developments and discoveries in robotics have affected, among other fields, edu... more New technological developments and discoveries in robotics have affected, among other fields, education as well. The use of educational robotics has increased since 2000, especially in STEM subjects. In recent years, however, social robotics has been incorporated into fields such as special education, art, and language learning. The characteristics and potential of some robots, especially social robots, make them an extremely useful tool for language learning. This paper introduces a brief overview of the educational theories, types and applications of robots used in language learning, as well as the roles of robots in the learning process and the educational activities that have been implemented thus far. The paper also presents a research-in-progress based on the DuckyCode robot, which was originally developed for STEM applications. However, its innovative technology and its user-friendly environment make it suitable for use as a social robot in language learning. DuckyCode, disposes social skills and can interact with students through speech and writing. Its capabilities make it a useful tool in the field of language learning where social interaction and communication skills are essential. For this research, a series of educational activities were created, targeting different grades of elementary school during the English lessons. New ways to utilize the robot in a language learning classroom and new roles that the robot can take during the learning process are suggested aiming to increase its effectiveness. Two groups of students participated in the research, in order to compare the results with and without the use of the robot. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of the DuckyCode robot on students' cognitive outcomes, motivation levels as well as students' preferences.

There was originally a series of personal contacts with people who are well known for their engag... more There was originally a series of personal contacts with people who are well known for their engagement in matters of language education: policy makers, presidents of University departments, directors of language laboratories and people in charge of research centers. At a second stage, a questionnaire was designed which was sent to the Heads of the Research Committees of 18 Greek Universities, the Heads of the Foreign Language Departments of these Universities and to the directors of certain Research Centers.

INTED2016 Proceedings, 2016

International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education, 2014

EDULEARN 2022 Proceedings, pp. 3402 – 3411. ISBN: 978-84-09-42484-9. , 2022

Digital storytelling is an educational approach that promotes 21 st century literacies (digital, ... more Digital storytelling is an educational approach that promotes 21 st century literacies (digital, audiovisual , technological, information), 21st century skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration) and develops the productive (speaking, writing) and the receptive (reading, listening) skills when it comes to foreign language teaching and learning. In this paper we are going to present an innovative approach to foreign language teaching and learning through a Digital Storytelling Language Massive Open Online Course (DST LMOOC) that aims to develop the above skills in students in tertiary education. The content of the DST LMOOC follows the descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) that concern the productive language skills, is based on the ADDIE (Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation) instructional design model and intends to provide students with the necessary skills for communication in a foreign language. Students are acquainted with new vocabulary, grammatical and syntactic functions, production strategies and interaction activities as well as with a variety of competences in the context of foreign language learning. Students apply the acquisition of new knowledge in the production of a multimodal message (a digital story). The paper aims to present the theoretical background on which the course is based, the principles of course planning in the DST LMOOC, the learning materials as well as its use in the foreign language classroom.

European Journal of Education, 5(1), 66–83., 2022

New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the de... more New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), lead to a new reality in which the secure flow of data is non-negotiable. In this new reality, blockchain technology can play a crucial role, as it has the ability to provide the necessary background for the safe and inviolable operation of systems. Blockchain is a distributed ledger, in which information and data are stored and verified. These blocks of data do not have to be related to financial transactions but may concern any other type of data that needs to be securely recorded and not changed retrospectively. Although the first application of blockchain technology was about digital currency (Bitcoin), its usefulness is not limited to cryptocurrencies or the field of economics. Blockchain, especially in its last stage v3.0, has many applications in various sectors such as data storage, certification of products and services, government, insurance, health, science, and education. This paper focuses on the current and potential educational applications of blockchain and presents how this technology can be used to solve specific education problems. Nowadays, a variety of blockchain applications concerning the issue and storage of certificates and diplomas, the evaluation of learning outcomes, the support and the academic degree management, the protection of intellectual property, the cooperation between students and their professors, learning accreditation, payment for studies, formation of an academic passport (portfolio) or administration of the educational process are implemented in some HEI and institutions. The paper analyzes the features and advantages of blockchain technology, presents some of the current blockchain applications for education, as well as the benefits and challenges of using blockchain technology in the educational sector. Finally, special reference is made to applications related to the field of language learning.

21st century learning is characterized by the mobility of people and devices, as well as by non- ... more 21st century learning is characterized by the mobility of people and devices, as well as by non- informal, ubiquitous and continuous learning. Furthermore, foreign language skills have started to be valued more than degrees, especially in job-related contexts or in student mobility programs. Except for formal language learning, the presence of social media and web 2.0 technologies in general are fostering the improvement of foreign language skills, in need of communication. Micro-learning is a technique which is defined in terms of rather simple and short learning units which do not require a lot of time or effort to be completed (Hug and Friesen, 2007) and is already digitally present, especially in the form of mobile applications and micro-blogging. Bearing in mind the fragmented time slots available for adult education, this bite-sized learning offers specific-purposed, short and mobile-friendly materials, thus allowing them to complete chunks of learning anywhere and anytime. In that way, the learners can acquire knowledge when and where it is needed and retain the newly-acquired content without suffering from cognitive overload. For the needs of this paper, a course was designed and trialed on university students. Since the study is yet to be completed, the results are not included. In this paper, the authors will present and illustrate the use of micro-learning as an alternative technique which, when applied to mobile courses, can enable and enhance the lifelong engagement with foreign language learning.

International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education, 2021

Technology and the Psychology of Second Language Learners and Users, 2020

One challenge for educators is to find the most appropriate way to use and exploit Web 2.0 tools ... more One challenge for educators is to find the most appropriate way to use and exploit Web 2.0 tools and services in order to enhance learner motivation and help learners engage in the learning process as well as overcome problems of lower self-esteem. This chapter proposes key criteria to draw links between technologies, motivation and engagement to learn a foreign language. To this end, based on three motivational models and inspired by gamification, we have compiled a list of 15 criteria for teachers to consider when designing online activities. The criteria were ranked according to their significance by 72 students from a French department at a large Greek university. The criteria are classified according to students’ perceptions and can be applied in the language learning classroom.

European Journal of Education

New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the de... more New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), lead to a new reality in which the secure flow of data is non-negotiable. In this new reality, blockchain technology can play a crucial role, as it has the ability to provide the necessary background for the safe and inviolable operation of systems. Blockchain is a distributed ledger, in which information and data are stored and verified. These blocks of data do not have to be related to financial transactions but may concern any other type of data that needs to be securely recorded and not changed retrospectively. Although the first application of blockchain technology was about digital currency (Bitcoin), its usefulness is not limited to cryptocurrencies or the field of economics. Blockchain, especially in its last stage v3.0, has many applications in various sectors such as data storage, certification of products and services, government, ins...

&... more ""This paper presents a recently conducted experiment aiming at the development, implementation and accreditation of multimedia courses for specific purposes in foreign language departments. Considering the EU policy highlighted in the Action Plan 2004-2006 “Promoting language learning and linguistic diversity” and having in mind the new European frame emerged after the Bologna Declaration, the development of new skills through new academic curricula, seems inevitable. Several attempts have been made towards this direction, and many technological applications have been developed. These products have proved their efficiency especially in domains concerning knowledge management, content delivery and administration of the procedure of learning. However, from methodological as well as from technical point of view, weaknesses can be noticed. This paper presents an alternative proposal of a distance-learning study program, attempting on the one hand to offer traditional subjects such as literature and theatre in a technological environment, and on the other, to deliver courses for the development of new skills concerning language learning for specific purposes and the use of ICT.""

Virtual Worlds are among the fastest growing areas of web 2.0, as they dispose characteristics th... more Virtual Worlds are among the fastest growing areas of web 2.0, as they dispose characteristics that promote the development of all kinds of applications not only for communication and entertainment, but for education, as well. This work highlights the importance of Virtual Worlds, their potential and their contribution to foreign language education and explores the perspectives for further exploitation. Virtual Worlds can be an important tool for the cooperative learning of a foreign language and culture, and can facilitate the acquisition of the target language, while also promoting interdisciplinarity through their multi-potential dimension. The present paper presents implementations of the use of Virtual Worlds for foreign language education through interdisciplinary approaches with particular emphasis on foreign language learning and culture.

Langues & Cultures, Dec 25, 2020

La présente contribution explore les possibilités d'utilisation de la Réalité Augmentée d... more La présente contribution explore les possibilités d'utilisation de la Réalité Augmentée dans l'enseignement/apprentissage des langues et, plus précisément, du français langue étrangère (FLE). La Réalité Augmentée est une technologie qui, grâce à la pénétration croissante des technologies/appareils mobiles, peut désormais être utilisée pour l'enseignement des langues étrangères. Les auteurs de cette publication se proposent de contribuer au débat concernant l'exploitation des applications de Réalité Augmentée comme outils pédagogiques en classe de langue. Le texte présente le champ de recherche et les caractéristiques de cette technologie ainsi que les facteurs qui influencent son intégration aux cours de langues. Enfin, cet article vise à décrire une expérience menée auprès des étudiants hellénophones du Département de Langue et de Littérature françaises de l'Université Aristote afin de démontrer comment la Réalité Augmentée peut être utilisée pour développer la compétence de production orale. Mots-clés: Réalité Augmentée-apprentissage mobile-FLE-production orale. Abstract This contribution explores the possibilities of using Augmented Reality in the teaching and learning of foreign languages and, more specifically, of French as a foreign language.

Proceedings of the 16th International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI, 2023). pp. 2440 – 2448. ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8. , 2023

As technology offers education more and more possibilities, services, tools and innovative applic... more As technology offers education more and more possibilities, services, tools and innovative applications, the need for the adoption of new alternative methodological approaches, which utilize technological innovations in order to maximize learning results, becomes more apparent. In this direction, this paper studies the application of the flipped classroom methodology in language education and the effect it has on learning outcomes. Initially, a brief literature review focusing on the studies conducted from 2015 to 2022 is presented. The results of the bibliographic research show that the flipped classroom model contributes significantly to the improvement of student performance and increases the degree of satisfaction of both students and teachers. The paper also presents an application of a method developed for EFL students in Greek public primary schools. It is a research in progress that includes the application of the flipped classroom methodology, in combination with differentiated learning, based on an LMS. For this application, special educational material was created, using a variety of web 2.0 tools. Two groups of students participated in the research: the first attended the courses in the traditional way, and the second, the technologically enhanced courses, using flipperentiated learning (flipped classroom and differentiated learning). The initial results show a more active involvement of the students in the learning process, increased autonomy, and responsibility on their part, as well as improved performance, compared to the classic traditional teaching model. It is also observed that the application of the method affects both the motivation and the degree of satisfaction of both students and teachers. Finally, the present study also demonstrates the effectiveness of the flipped classroom in providing differentiated learning to heterogeneous student bodies, i.e., different learning styles, abilities and needs.

Proceedings of the 16th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI, 2023). pp. 2413 – 2421. ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8. , 2023

New technological developments and discoveries in robotics have affected, among other fields, edu... more New technological developments and discoveries in robotics have affected, among other fields, education as well. The use of educational robotics has increased since 2000, especially in STEM subjects. In recent years, however, social robotics has been incorporated into fields such as special education, art, and language learning. The characteristics and potential of some robots, especially social robots, make them an extremely useful tool for language learning. This paper introduces a brief overview of the educational theories, types and applications of robots used in language learning, as well as the roles of robots in the learning process and the educational activities that have been implemented thus far. The paper also presents a research-in-progress based on the DuckyCode robot, which was originally developed for STEM applications. However, its innovative technology and its user-friendly environment make it suitable for use as a social robot in language learning. DuckyCode, disposes social skills and can interact with students through speech and writing. Its capabilities make it a useful tool in the field of language learning where social interaction and communication skills are essential. For this research, a series of educational activities were created, targeting different grades of elementary school during the English lessons. New ways to utilize the robot in a language learning classroom and new roles that the robot can take during the learning process are suggested aiming to increase its effectiveness. Two groups of students participated in the research, in order to compare the results with and without the use of the robot. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of the DuckyCode robot on students' cognitive outcomes, motivation levels as well as students' preferences.

There was originally a series of personal contacts with people who are well known for their engag... more There was originally a series of personal contacts with people who are well known for their engagement in matters of language education: policy makers, presidents of University departments, directors of language laboratories and people in charge of research centers. At a second stage, a questionnaire was designed which was sent to the Heads of the Research Committees of 18 Greek Universities, the Heads of the Foreign Language Departments of these Universities and to the directors of certain Research Centers.

INTED2016 Proceedings, 2016

International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education, 2014

EDULEARN 2022 Proceedings, pp. 3402 – 3411. ISBN: 978-84-09-42484-9. , 2022

Digital storytelling is an educational approach that promotes 21 st century literacies (digital, ... more Digital storytelling is an educational approach that promotes 21 st century literacies (digital, audiovisual , technological, information), 21st century skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration) and develops the productive (speaking, writing) and the receptive (reading, listening) skills when it comes to foreign language teaching and learning. In this paper we are going to present an innovative approach to foreign language teaching and learning through a Digital Storytelling Language Massive Open Online Course (DST LMOOC) that aims to develop the above skills in students in tertiary education. The content of the DST LMOOC follows the descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) that concern the productive language skills, is based on the ADDIE (Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation) instructional design model and intends to provide students with the necessary skills for communication in a foreign language. Students are acquainted with new vocabulary, grammatical and syntactic functions, production strategies and interaction activities as well as with a variety of competences in the context of foreign language learning. Students apply the acquisition of new knowledge in the production of a multimodal message (a digital story). The paper aims to present the theoretical background on which the course is based, the principles of course planning in the DST LMOOC, the learning materials as well as its use in the foreign language classroom.

European Journal of Education, 5(1), 66–83., 2022

New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the de... more New technological developments, such as 5G networks, smart and interconnected devices, and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), lead to a new reality in which the secure flow of data is non-negotiable. In this new reality, blockchain technology can play a crucial role, as it has the ability to provide the necessary background for the safe and inviolable operation of systems. Blockchain is a distributed ledger, in which information and data are stored and verified. These blocks of data do not have to be related to financial transactions but may concern any other type of data that needs to be securely recorded and not changed retrospectively. Although the first application of blockchain technology was about digital currency (Bitcoin), its usefulness is not limited to cryptocurrencies or the field of economics. Blockchain, especially in its last stage v3.0, has many applications in various sectors such as data storage, certification of products and services, government, insurance, health, science, and education. This paper focuses on the current and potential educational applications of blockchain and presents how this technology can be used to solve specific education problems. Nowadays, a variety of blockchain applications concerning the issue and storage of certificates and diplomas, the evaluation of learning outcomes, the support and the academic degree management, the protection of intellectual property, the cooperation between students and their professors, learning accreditation, payment for studies, formation of an academic passport (portfolio) or administration of the educational process are implemented in some HEI and institutions. The paper analyzes the features and advantages of blockchain technology, presents some of the current blockchain applications for education, as well as the benefits and challenges of using blockchain technology in the educational sector. Finally, special reference is made to applications related to the field of language learning.

21st century learning is characterized by the mobility of people and devices, as well as by non- ... more 21st century learning is characterized by the mobility of people and devices, as well as by non- informal, ubiquitous and continuous learning. Furthermore, foreign language skills have started to be valued more than degrees, especially in job-related contexts or in student mobility programs. Except for formal language learning, the presence of social media and web 2.0 technologies in general are fostering the improvement of foreign language skills, in need of communication. Micro-learning is a technique which is defined in terms of rather simple and short learning units which do not require a lot of time or effort to be completed (Hug and Friesen, 2007) and is already digitally present, especially in the form of mobile applications and micro-blogging. Bearing in mind the fragmented time slots available for adult education, this bite-sized learning offers specific-purposed, short and mobile-friendly materials, thus allowing them to complete chunks of learning anywhere and anytime. In that way, the learners can acquire knowledge when and where it is needed and retain the newly-acquired content without suffering from cognitive overload. For the needs of this paper, a course was designed and trialed on university students. Since the study is yet to be completed, the results are not included. In this paper, the authors will present and illustrate the use of micro-learning as an alternative technique which, when applied to mobile courses, can enable and enhance the lifelong engagement with foreign language learning.

International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education, 2021

Technology and the Psychology of Second Language Learners and Users, 2020

One challenge for educators is to find the most appropriate way to use and exploit Web 2.0 tools ... more One challenge for educators is to find the most appropriate way to use and exploit Web 2.0 tools and services in order to enhance learner motivation and help learners engage in the learning process as well as overcome problems of lower self-esteem. This chapter proposes key criteria to draw links between technologies, motivation and engagement to learn a foreign language. To this end, based on three motivational models and inspired by gamification, we have compiled a list of 15 criteria for teachers to consider when designing online activities. The criteria were ranked according to their significance by 72 students from a French department at a large Greek university. The criteria are classified according to students’ perceptions and can be applied in the language learning classroom.

INTED 2016 Proceedings

During the last few years, Mobile Learning (m-Learning) has increasingly attracted the attention ... more During the last few years, Mobile Learning (m-Learning) has increasingly attracted the attention of scholars. m-Learning is defined as the use of mobile devices in learning such as mobile phones (smartphones), tablet PCs, pocket PCs and personal digital assistants PDAs. Several studies have pointed out that m-Learning is an interactive type of technology-based learning that can enhance students’ motivation. The emergence of new technological equipment and software has facilitated the creation and development of effective methods and materials for mobile assisted language learning (MALL) which is a specialization of mobile learning (m-Learning).
This paper focuses on the use and effectiveness of MALL in second and foreign language (L2) education and on the potential of mobile devices as effective tools for delivering language learning materials to the students in terms of gained linguistic knowledge and skills. To this end, we have carried out a field research on a sample of 50 applications for L2 learning, created for mobile devices, focusing on the most popular ones: smartphones and tablets. In particular, using the descriptors proposed by the Common European Framework (CEFR), we made an effort towards determining whether these applications contain activities that might successfully support collaborative reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and language acquisition in more general terms. Based on the findings we will suggest areas for further research.