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Hellenic Naval Academy and the Educational Tug of War: Traditional Online Education in the Era of the Pandemic Crisis
Reflection
Abstract: The integration of New Technologies in education contributes significantly to the learning process as it creates a laboratory learning environment where the learner reinforces elements of its personality, such as autonomy, self-discipline and self-will. The use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for educational purposes is not limited, however, only to the classroom, nor has it exclusively a supplementary character. In modern times traditional education is often completely replaced by distance learning. Although in-person learning offers unique possibilities of educational reception it is clear that there are not always perfect conditions for this to happen. Restrictions on availability in key factors such as time, place, and expenses, but also health in some cases, prevent seamless education in its conventional option. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the vast majority of the planet to self-isolation. People, apart from primary income, lack both general socialization and entertainment. The impact on education is also clear however education has and activates the appropriate tools, in order to respond successfully to its work. This study focuses on the teaching and learning process during the period of COVID-19. Its purpose is to highlight Hellenic Naval Academy and its educational strategies in order to increase flexibility, stay up to date and offer an educational space with minimal restrictions. Starting with a brief presentation of Hellenic Naval Academy this paper will focus on the curriculum and the way of transition from conventional education to its online counterpart. We will also take a closer look at e-learning and the two of its three forms -asynchronous and synchronous learning- which Hellenic Naval Academy offers in order to expand the educational framework and to successfully continue to contribute to the needs of the Naval Cadets and the Hellenic Navy.