INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHANGES IN EDUCATION
Research Article
Aug 14, 2026 139 54

Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region

Ariadni Mandala 1,
Alexandros Gazis 2 3 * ,
Theodoros Vavouras 1 4
1 Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece2 Department of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, UK3 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece4 Department of Humanities, School of Humanities, Hellenic Open University, Greece* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Changes in Education, 3(4), 2026, 431-441, https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312
Online publication date: Sep 26, 2025
Publication date: Aug 14, 2026
Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

In increasingly multicultural and multilingual societies, foreign language learning has become essential not only for communication but also for social cohesion and professional advancement. Distance education has emerged as a flexible and accessible solution, particularly for adults seeking to enhance their linguistic and intercultural competencies. This study explores the views of foreign language teachers regarding the role of distance education in promoting multilingualism, with a specific focus on culturally diverse border regions. Conducted in the Regional Unit of Evros, Greece, the research adopts a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with five language educators working in public and private education. Findings reveal that teachers recognize the potential of digital tools such as Massive Open Online Courses, machine translation applications (e.g., Google Translate, DeepL), and adaptive learning platforms to support multilingual learning, particularly when used as supplementary resources. However, concerns were raised about the lack of personalized feedback, limited interactivity, and the absence of culturally contextualized content on existing platforms. Teachers emphasized the importance of digital literacy, pedagogical training, and culturally inclusive design to ensure effective implementation. The study highlights the need for targeted support for educators in border regions and calls for more locally adapted digital resources that reflect linguistic diversity. These findings offer insights for policymakers and educational technology developers aiming to improve the quality and reach of multilingual education in remote or underserved areas.

KEYWORDS

distance language learning multilingual education lifelong learning language teacher perceptions MOOCs in language education adaptive learning platforms online language teaching educational technology

CITATION (APA)

Mandala, A., Gazis, A., & Vavouras, T. (2026). Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region. International Journal of Changes in Education, 3(4), 431-441. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312
Harvard
Mandala, A., Gazis, A., and Vavouras, T. (2026). Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region. International Journal of Changes in Education, 3(4), pp. 431-441. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312
Vancouver
Mandala A, Gazis A, Vavouras T. Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2026;3(4):431-41. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312
AMA
Mandala A, Gazis A, Vavouras T. Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2026;3(4), 431-441. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312
Chicago
Mandala, Ariadni, Alexandros Gazis, and Theodoros Vavouras. "Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region". International Journal of Changes in Education 2026 3 no. 4 (2026): 431-441. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312
MLA
Mandala, Ariadni et al. "Distance Learning and Multilingual Education: A Case Study of Challenges and Pedagogical Perspectives in the Greek Border Region". International Journal of Changes in Education, vol. 3, no. 4, 2026, pp. 431-441. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026312

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