Ανοιχτή Εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευση στην Προσχολική Ηλικία: Αξιολόγηση πολυμεσικής εφαρμογής ως εργαλείο περιβαλλοντικής ευαισθητοποίησης

Abstract

This study examines the implementation and evaluation of a digital story entitled “Fifi the Whale and the Mission for Clean Seas”, which was designed on the Genially platform for preschool children (ages 4–6) within the framework of Open and Distance Education (ODE). Recognizing Open and Distance Education as a dynamically developing field, the importance of interactive multimedia for teaching and learning is highlighted. Genially was chosen for its user-friendliness, interactivity, and capacity to create engaging content—with the support of Artificial Intelligence—and was evaluated by 38 parents of children from urban areas, using the standardized tool E.T.E.A. (Evaluation Tool for Educational Apps targeting kindergarten children). The results highlighted the high pedagogical value of the tool, its usability, and its ability to engage children, while also underscoring the crucial role of parents. However, challenges also emerged, such as the need for parental technological competence and the absence of integrated progress-reporting tools. The study concludes that the effectiveness of ODE largely depends on pedagogical design, and it proposes for the future the integration of real-time child progress monitoring tools, the exploration of blended learning models, as well as the further training of educators and support for families.