ICODL

How the performance of Panhellenic candidates was affected by distance learning during the pandemic period. A decade-long study.

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Published: Mar 22, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/icodl.8551
Ιωάννης Χιωτέλης
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS
Dr
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS
Abstract

In this paper we examine how distance learning during the pandemic period affected the performance of candidates of the Panhellenic examinations, both candidates of General Lyceums (GEL) and Vocational Lyceums (EPAL). The sudden closure of school units, gradually in 2020 and the universal closure in 2021, required distance teaching, initially only for students of the 3rd Lyceum and gradually for all grades, of all levels. The candidates for the Panhellenic Exams, both in GEL and EPAL, were decisively influenced. Our study focuses on analyzing decade-long statistics on student performance before, during, and after distance learning. We initially chose the basic subjects of Modern Greek Language and Mathematics that are examined in both types of schools and then we expanded our study to include Science and Economics courses. Students were significantly affected, especially in the first year of quarantine (2020), they recovered in two to three years, but the presence of incentives especially in EPAL was also important. Distance learning seems to have deservedly replaced face-to-face teaching, thus covering an emergency that required an immediate response.

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Author Biography
Ιωάννης Χιωτέλης, UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS

Ioannis (John) Chiotelis is a Ph.d., M.sc. Physicist. Since 2008 is serving the Greek Secondary Education and after evaluation (2013) has joined the Model Experimental High School of University of Patras. He is highly proficient in spoken and written English and has a good working knowledge of Deutsch.

He has participated in more than thirty Scientific Conferences, seminars and workshops, while he was a keynote speaker in most of them. He has more than 500 hours of laboratory-didactic experience at the University, while he is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Primary Education of the University of Patras.

He has several national and European distinctions in Science with most prominent the European Discriminations on his educational scenarios. Furthermore, he has also been awarded with an honorable mention for his pioneering introduction of new technologies in everyday educational practice.

He has participated in more than 60 educational activities, supervised more than 30 innovative actions, programs and research papers, and currently was appointed as Ambassador of the European programs: ODS (Open Discovery Space) and ISE (Inspiring Science Education) in Western Greece.

He is the composer of four highly successful European ERASMUS + Programs and currently participates in other three Educational European Projects. He is the author of 30 research – scientific papers that have been published in international and national scientific journals.

Finally, he is the creator of certified educational material (officially approved), while he has edited the Book of Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference "Schools as Learning Organizations" held in Athens in September 2014.

He is currently interested in holistic approach of Physics through Inquiry Learning Educational Scenarios.

He is now teaching at the Department of Primary Education of University of Patras the course of “Didactics of Natural Sciences”