test Perspectives of Teachers and Students on Online Religious Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic|Greek Journal of Religious Education (GjRE)

Perspectives of Teachers and Students on Online Religious Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Published: Nov 27, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/gjre.41239
Keywords:
Distance Learning Religious Education Pandemic New Technologies Secondary Education
Ariadni Kouzeli
University of Aegean
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9039-6739
Nikolaos Tsirevelos
Aristotle Univeristy of Thessaloniki
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1768-9656
Polikarpos Karamouzis
University of Aegean
Abstract

This paper investigates the views of theology teachers and students regarding distance learning in the Religious Education course during the COVID-19 pandemic. It consists of a theoretical and research methodology section. The theoretical background includes a) Religious Education in Greece, b) the concept of distance learning, c) the teacher’s role in online education, d) implementation of distance learning in Greek schools during the pandemic, e) teachers’ perspectives, and f) students’ perspectives. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, using interviews with sixteen secondary education theology teachers. Data was analyzed using content analysis by category. The study explores how teachers adapted to digital teaching and how students responded. Key questions include participation levels, engagement with the subject, and digital literacy among both educators and learners. Findings indicate that digital tools, when used pedagogically, enhanced students’ interest in Religious Education without compromising educational quality.

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Author Biographies
Ariadni Kouzeli, University of Aegean

Ariadni Kouzeli is an MSc student in Human Development and Family Sciences, and an MA student with a full scholarship in the online master’s degree of NKUA & the European Wergeland Center. Prior, she received a bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education. She also has a master’s degree in Education Sciences – Education with the use of New Technologies. In the past, I worked as a graduate research assistant with the University of Delaware Laboratory School and the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. My research interests include intercultural education, artificial intelligence, nature-based education, STEAM, and curriculum in early childhood and primary education.

Nikolaos Tsirevelos, Aristotle Univeristy of Thessaloniki

Dr. Nikolaos Tsirevelos is a member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff of the School of Theology of the AUTh, in the field of "Missionary, Intercultural Christian Witness and Communication". He taught at the Pedagogical Departments of Primary Education of the Universities of Western Macedonia, Thessaly and the Aegean. He is a Visiting Professor at the Department of "Theology and Culture" of Logos University (Tirana). He worked as a teacher in Secondary Education. He wrote 7 monographs, his studies were published in scientific journals and conference proceedings. He is an Editor in the Religious Education Study Programs (2021-23), a Trainer in programs of the IEP, the Academy of Theological Studies of Volos and various Universities.

Polikarpos Karamouzis, University of Aegean

Ariadni Kouzeli is an MSc student in Human Development and Family Sciences, and an MA student with a full scholarship in the online master’s degree of NKUA & the European Wergeland Center. Prior, she received a bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education. She also has a master’s degree in Education Sciences – Education with the use of New Technologies. In the past, I worked as a graduate research assistant with the University of Delaware Laboratory School and the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. My research interests include intercultural education, artificial intelligence, nature-based education, STEAM, and curriculum in early childhood and primary education.

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