Athanasios Drigas

National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos | ncsr · Insititute of Informatics and Telecommunications

The aim of this research was to investigate the level of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress experienced by parents with a child with disabilities in Greece. In particular, the negative emotional state is investigated, as well as the factors that may contribute to the appearance of parental burnout, anxiety, stress and depression. The dominant...

The international organizations of education have already pointed out that the way students learn, what they learn, and the skills needed, will be radically transformed in the coming years. Smart technologies are ready to come into play, changing the conditions of learning, providing opportunities for transformative learning experiences, and promis...

Nowadays, the educational policy, in many countries, promotes equal access for all students, including those with disabilities, to the general school, against all forms of social exclusion. Inclusion, in an innovative sense of the concept of diversity, focuses on the active participation and interaction of a heterogeneous student population in the...

In recent years, the notions of artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence have grown in popularity in the relevant literature. The development of technology, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence, has made it possible to examine the numerous facets of human emotional behaviour in new and powerful ways. This article constitute...

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is important in achieving the goals: personal and social of each person in synergy with general intelligence ( IQ). In this work, the prevailing models of theories and evaluation of S.N are presented, and the role of ICTs in the application of their evaluation tools.

Mobile technology can set the ground for creating trusted communities that provide valuable guidance on new partnerships as well as alternative business models. Such business models encompass women's entrepreneurship adapted to the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises' growth strongly depends on m...

Memory is one of the most vital cognitive functions, affecting almost all aspects of human life. Meta-memory is considered a special part of metacognition that enables humans to acquire mnemonic knowledge and meta-skills to take control of their memory functions. In the digital era, the use of mobile applications to improve memory is constantly gai...

The purpose of the article is to highlight how students' computational thinking, which is a critical thinking skill, can be developed through educational robotics and programming. It is a fun and engaging learning activity that encourages students to collaborate, delve into a problem, construct knowledge, and cultivate critical thinking. Educationa...

The use of technologies to develop serious games for the enhancement of the abilities in the spectrum of emotional intelligence is of utmost importance and it has led progressively to the appearance of new applications. On the other hand, emotional intelligence is a very important concept that positively affects all areas of our lives. This paper a...

In this paper, our study focused on the framework of big data-driven and mobile optimization. We will study the significant points of 5G and previous mobile networks, and mostly we have a look at past mobile technologies. After that, we will focus on the future 5G Mobile Technology. We will make an essential reference to the architecture of the 5G...

Mobile applications are constantly increasing and people are trying to find solutions to problems in their daily life in the digital world. Digital developments provide equal access and learning opportunities to people with disabilities. Today, children spend most of their time using mobile devices. Therefore, addressing their difficulties through...

Chronic stress, even at a young age, has become a major health concern with the harmful effects on cognition, mood, and well-being largely underestimated. Mindfulness interventions are well-recognized as effective strategies in stress management. However, we know less about the impact of mindfulness on physiological indicators such as hormones/neur...

Down syndrome is considered to be one of the most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disability, derived from chromosomal disorder, which accounts for dysfunctions in many organs and has a characteristic phenotype, which consists of physical and behavioral features. Many studies have shown that language is one of the most impaired areas of fu...

The aim of this article is to investigate whether or not charisma in children is considered inherited or not. There is no generally accepted definition of the gifted-charismatic child. However, various definitions of intellectual superiority include either general high capacity or high special capacity. The charisma of a child becomes apparent earl...

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood and one of the more widespread chronic diseases that affect children school age, based on the DSM-IV. This study focuses on the influence of stress to the kids suffering from ADHD and the importance of other elements on it. This particul...

In this paper we present a study, which revolves around the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) at people with Intellectual Impairments. The goal of the study was to unveil how people with disabilities, such as Mental Retardation and Syndrome Down could use ICTs in order to enhance and facilitate their teaching, learning...

Serious Games indicate positive effects on pre-K and K-6 students and scaffold learning in a more engaging and motivating approach. Research has shown that Serious Games provide students with variety, the potential for widening participation, and the ability to work at their own pace. Serious Games based Learning has proven its added value in almos...

Down syndrome is considered to be one of the most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disability, derived from chromosomal disorder, which accounts for dysfunctions in many organs and has a characteristic phenotype, which consists of physical and behavioral features. Many studies have shown that language is one of the most impaired areas of fu...

Young mothers face various obstacles in the labour market due to lack of skills in job search techniques, unpaid domestic labour responsibilities and, in developing countries, social isolation and restrictions. Business training programs targeting young mothers must be demand-driven and linked with private sector labour demands. In addition, life s...

One of the main goals of Special Education and E-learning for people with disabilities is the development and improvement of social communication, the interaction with those around them, and the socio-emotional empowerment of students for their inclusion as active and equal members in a privileged society as people-students with disabilities presen...

Serious Games appear to benefit children with special needs and provide a multidimensional approach to learning. According to research, Serious Games can help Special Education Needs children stay interested in their study by increasing their motivation, independence, autonomy, and resulting self-esteem. In practically every subject area of the cur...

This paper presents the functional specifications of a training platform for use in the training of cadets and serving officers. The game aims to teach trainees that their decisions need to be based both on strategic goals as well as on constraints imposed by international law concerning rules of engagement, ethical codes of conduct or environmenta...

During the past years, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been studies in a large number of fields. The term ICTs refers to all kinds of technologies that let users to have access, use and manipulate information (Drigas & Ioannidou, 2013a). ICT can bridge the gap between groups of people with special (educational) needs. The gro...

The focus of this paper is to take a bibliographical look at the existing research concerning students who are considered to be twice exceptional. The specific aim is to find and analyze the most prevalent data available up to the present time of this writing regarding children who possess characteristics on both sides of the learning spectrum, nam...

This paper researches an innovative technology in the field of ICT (robotics) to support the cultivation of social skills in children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), as these have been documented internationally in recent years.

Gifted and talented students do not constitute one homogenious group. This fact evokes the need for definition of their characteristics and identification of this population. Undoubtedly metacognitive skills can lead one to recognize his/her strengths and weaknesses and lead him/herself to the upper levels of the pyramid of knowledge. Moreover iden...

Gifted and talented students do not constitute one homogenious group. This fact evokes the need for definition of their characteristics and identification of this population. Undoubtedly metacognitive skills can lead one to recognize his/her strengths and weaknesses and lead him/herself to the upper levels of the pyramid of knowledge. Moreover iden...

Gifted and talented students do not constitute one homogenious group. This fact evokes the need for the definition of their characteristics and identification of this population. Undoubtedly metacognitive skills can lead one to recognize his/her strengths and weaknesses and lead him/herself to the upper levels of the pyramid of knowledge. Moreover,...

Sports activities offer significant benefits to the human body. In addition to the physical benefits that exercise offers, it also provides mental benefits because the human brain is practiced to meet the needs of the sports. The human brain is the one that activates the members of the human body to make the necessary movements. However, over time...

The present study critically examines the issue of the HF-ASD adult employees' working life shedding light on some of its aspects (e.g., internal developmental difficulties, employment status of neglected candidates, very special characteristics-promoters to meaningful employment) as well as the support provided to the specific population, especial...

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood and one of the more widespread chronic diseases that affect children school age, based on the DSM-IV. This study focuses on the influence of stress to the kids suffering from ADHD and the importance of other elements on it. This particul...

The purpose of the present study was to indicate the positive effects of internet in the personality of the person with disabilities. Through literature review was found that internet improves the cognitive (reading, writing, internet’s use), social (cooperation, friendship) and psychological skills (anxiety, stress, self-esteem). In conclusion, in...

Down syndrome is considered to be one of the most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disability, derived from chromosomal disorder, which accounts for dysfunctions in many organs and has a characteristic phenotype, which consists of physical and behavioral features. Many studies have shown that language is one of the most impaired areas of fu...

Human’s involvement with culture is a vital part of his life, but what happens when someone is blind or visually impaired (VI) and how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) help the access to cultural locations? The difficulties and limitations that blind and visually impaired (BVI) persons face while visiting museums or art exhibitions...

The purpose of the current review study is to provide representative evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness training strategies on the development of metacognitive skills for people with special education needs. In addition, we explore the role of virtual reality in the efficacy of mindfulness interventions among people with learning d...

In this paper we present a study which revolves around the importance of ICTs (Information and communication technologies) at people with Asperger Syndrome. The goal of the study was to unveil how people with autism such as Asperger Syndrome could use ICTs in order to enhance and facilitate their teaching, learning and everyday lifestyle. ICTs will...

The ability to understand one's feelings (emotional understanding) is an element and an important component of emotional intelligence. Understanding emotions are considered essential for the child's social and emotional functioning. This paper is a literature review of both the importance of socio-emotional learning in the child's life and emphasiz...

Today, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) prevail in all areas of society, while their consolidation has brought about significant changes. Children and young people come into contact with them every day and the skills and knowledge they have acquired empirically are many. Nowadays, new technologies are considered very essential and a...

In recent years there has been a growing interest in people on the autism spectrum emotional intelligence, an area in which people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show a deficit. The aim of this work is through a literature review of the research a) to illustrate the emotional development and education of individuals on the spectrum and b) to p...

The current research aims to investigate the effectiveness of brain-rewiring techniques applied in virtual reality environments as a pioneer intervention for people with learning disabilities and various disorders. In addition, we examine whether these VR-assisted techniques can improve metacognitive skills. Specifically, we emphasize the advantage...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurobiological disorder that occurs in 5-7% of the student population. The purpose of this research was to design and develop a novel digital tool (serious game) for the treatment of attention difficulties in schoolchildren with ADHD. Primary school children (n=36), aged 6-12 (10.4±1.6...

The purpose of the current review study is to shed light on the relationship between breathing and learning disabilities, to investigate the efficacy of breathwork as an intervention strategy, and finally, to identify the role of assistive technologies in breathing training interventions. The results of this study revealed a close relationship betw...

Down syndrome is considered to be one of the most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disability, derived from chromosomal disorder, which accounts for dysfunctions in many organs and has a characteristic phenotype, which consists of physical and behavioral features. Many studies have shown that language is one of the most impaired areas of fu...

Children on the autism spectrum present significant difficulties in recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions and, consequently, in their socialization. The teachers, to create a personalized education program for the students, record, through direct or systematic observation, important information regarding the manifestation of these emo...

In recent years worldwide, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) contributes significantly to the learning process, especially for students with special needs, arguing that a special aspect of ICT in the digital game, as it can be a part from a means of entertainment and personal satisfaction of each student, an excellent tool...

The following study examines the neuroscience of attachment and the role of mindfulness and metacognition. First, the importance of mindfulness is discussed, which is strongly found in people with attachment, particularly in twins. Next, mindfulness in people with autism is examined. More specifically, the purpose of the research is to draw conclus...

Educators define three factors of interaction or as they refer to the 3 C's in education: Children (children), Community (communication), and Computer (computers) [1]. Information and Communication Technologies are an integral tool of the educational process for modern educational systems, helping the learning process to turn from passive to active...

Anxiety is a particular form of emotional distress which is frequently experienced by students with LD. Research has indicated that high levels of anxiety have negative effects on performance on cognitive and academic tasks. Also, findings suggest that children with LD present cognitive and neuropsychological deficits. The mindfulness function of M...

The use of technologies to develop serious games for the enhancement of the abilities in the spectrum of emotional intelli-gence is of utmost importance and it has led progressively to the appearance of new applications. On the other hand, emotional intel-ligence is a very important concept that positively affects all areas of our lives. This paper...

Proper nutrition and physical activity over time are alternative interventions for children with ADHD and are recognized in many European countries. Can be applied as an educational and therapeutic practice both in a school environment and in a therapeutic context adjunct to other forms of therapy. THE planning of these interventions aims, on the o...

International research highlights the benefits of parental involvement in education [1] of children with ASD in parent behavioral training programs for children, and particular interest is the involvement of parents in socio-emotional learning programs, an area in which people with ASD, using serious serious digital games [2] and aiming for thei...

Children on the autism spectrum have significant difficulties in recognizing, I understanding, and expressing emotions and and consequently in their socialization [1], [2] [3] [4] [5] . To assess the ability to understand emotions, the following is used: The emotion comprehension test (Test of Εmotional Comprehension, TEC ) [6] in preschool child...

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex, heterogeneous disorder that affects perception, information processing, social interaction, verbal, and nonverbal communication, and social, and cognitive behavior. Theory of Mind concerns the observation, understanding of mental states, as well as the interpretation of the behaviors that result from them. The...

Traditionally, metacognition & higher mental abilities are thought to be exclusively linked to consciousness. However, a growing number of researchers support the idea that nonconscious processes may hold the keys to higher forms of intelligence. Subliminal messages expose individuals to visual or/and auditory stimuli below the threshold of conscio...

Various computerized measures have been created in recent years to improve the accuracy of the evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Its diagnosis is usually made by health experts based on a clinical history that includes assessment measures filled out by caregivers and/or teachers. Many specialists have challenged this me...

This article focuses on how people with disabilities can benefit from new technologies and in particular assistive technology and Internet of Things Applications. Assistive Technology is now an integral part of modern education and even more in the field of special education, as it can prove to be a powerful tool to support educational integration....

Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι ο σχεδιασμός και η ανάπτυξη ενός πρωτότυπου ηλεκτρονικού εργαλείου, το οποίο θα ενσωματώνει τεχνικές των παιχνιδιών σοβαρού σκοπού (serious games) για την αποκατάσταση δυσκολιών προσοχής και μνήμης παιδιών σχολικής ηλικίας. Το εργαλείο είναι προσβάσιμο σε κάθε σχολείο ή σπίτι μαθητή/ριας, σε επιτραπέζιο ή φορητό υπ...

Low oxygen breathing has been the subject of considerable research in recent years. The present review aims to determine the physiological and neuropsychological benefits of low-oxygen training. Specifically, we explored the ways low oxygen affects hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors responsible for neuroplasticity, higher cognition and...

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder present several difficulties in social interaction, communication obstaclesand restricted and repeated behaviors. Social connection with others is typically challenging for them, and they are frequentlyunsure of how to react to other people’s emotions, facial expressions, and movements of their body, and espec...

The aim of this paper is to provide a different approach in the educational process, introducing "The Theatre of Mind"-a term that we use instead of the term tabletop Role Playing Games (tRPGs)-as a powerful interdisciplinary educational tool with a view to cultivating and developing the emotional intelligence of students. According to this approac...

The aim of this review is the recognition of characteristics of "Dysgraphia" or "Dysorthography", as specific learning disorder in written. Concretely, the diagnostic technological tools enable to recognize the particular characteristics of this disorder. As well as, the offer of the intervention technological tools is been evident with the effecti...

The aim of this study was to investigate the emotional difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms within children refugees in northern Greece borders. The present research focuses on the traumatic and emotional difficulties experienced by children refugees, who have been separated from their families during their journey to Europe. Th...

This article is aimed at teachers, parents, caregivers, and everyone interested in special education and the autism spectrum. The purpose is to present the usefulness of technological applications in special education and specifically refers to the usefulness of Internet of Things applications in Autism disorder. Digital technologies have come acti...

This article is a literature review that analyses the cognitive and metacognitive abilities of the students with Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics (SLDM). It aims to present the cognitive and metacognitive deficits of these students along with the ways and methods that can improve the corresponding cognitive and metacognitive abilities and...

Extensive research has been conducted regarding socio-emotional skills training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The latest autism research is now beginning to recognize the role of metacognitive deficits in ASD as well as the importance of metacognitive skills training in autism intervention. The purpose of the current review study is to shed li...

This article is a literature review that analyses the cognitive and metacognitive abilities of the students with Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics (SLDM). It aims to present the cognitive and metacognitive deficits of these students along with the ways and methods that can improve the corresponding cognitive and metacognitive abilities and...

Children withAutism Spectrum Disorder present several difficulties in social interaction, communication obstacles and restricted and repeated behaviors. Social connection with others is typically challenging for them, and they are frequently unsure of how to react to other people’s emotions, facial expressions, and movements of their body, and espe...

Emotion control in stressful situations is an important aspect of mental health. On the other hand, acute stress, affects the prefrontal cortex control, probably resulting in a loss of emotion regulation abilities. To lessen the threat, the stress response activates a number of defensive systems, including hormone messenger communication. In this a...

In recent years, there has been an increase in new technologies and their effects in many sectors of life. The importance of IoT in special education and training acquires more and more value over time. Collaboration between technology and educational specialties involved in the educational teaching of individuals is the key to students' holistic e...

Gender equality is a demand in all societies and a key goal of all countries. Among the goals of equality is the entrepreneurship of women. This article attempts to present the factors that affect the equal participation of women entrepreneurs in business and e-business and the role of lifelong learning in combating inequality. Moreover, because en...

Chatbots are software applications assimilating human communication with the aim to raise adherence and engagement between human-systems interaction. Text messaging-based conversational agents (CAs) make an interesting use of natural language processing and improve by learning, allowing coherent two-way communication with humans, either oral or wri...

The Theory of Mind is a bridge of mental understanding between us and others. Its proper functioning provides opportunities for communication, effective social interaction, development on a cognitive and metacognitive level. The present study aims to examine its developmental stages from infancy to adolescence, as well as the main factors that stim...

This article presents a group of students who are found in the general classroom. This group consists of gifted children, whose way of learning has not been extensively studied. High achievement students have more developed skills than their peers and this often results in them not engaging in school lessons as they seem too simplistic. This articl...

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with the main symptoms of attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity, to the extent that it creates or exacerbates existing behavioral problems and is a brake on a person's daily life.The process of early detection of developmental disorders is done with d...

Nowadays, there is a great need for schools to be transformed into more innovative learning environments with more innovative approaches to learning and teaching so as students to be allowed to develop their various skills and abilities to their fullest extent. Therefore, we present the role of physical activity and ICT-based interventions for work...

Gender equality is a demand in all societies and a key goal of all countries. Among the goals of equality is the entrepreneurship of women. This article attempts to present the factors that affect the equal participation of women entrepreneurs in business and e-business and the role of lifelong learning in combating inequality. Moreover, because en...

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder across children population and much research is being conducted to find the best ADHD treatment. Neurofeedback (NF) is widely used for the treatment of ADHD, thus such ADHD cases will be reviewed in this study. As an introduction, a short overview of the definition of ADHD and Neurofeedback, as well as the hist...

The purpose of the current review study is to shed light on the relationship between respiration and attention. Specifically, we examined whether and how respiration can provoke alterations in attentional states. Secondly, we investigated the benefits of breath-control training techniques in attention. Furthermore, we explored the effectiveness of...

Gender equality is a demand in all societies and is a key goal of all of us, as well as the integration of people with disabilities and especially women. This article reports on the prevailing situation of women with disabilities in society, how to deal with them and how to eliminate their exclusion and accept them as equal citizens in society

The role of the teacher is considered particularly important in our time for offering students not only knowledge but also ways of dealing with the "current reality." In an era where people are struggling, personalities are crushed, and ethos and moral values are belittled, teachers are called to become social educators. Teachers help children to r...

Behavior is a relative concept that is evaluated, analyzed, and interpreted based on subjective and social factors. Therefore, it is very likely that different people may characterize the same behavior as normal, desirable, problematic, or undesirable. According to international research, behavioral problems in childhood are the most common forms o...

Numerous researches carried out during the last decade have contributed to the fact that we have now enough data concerning the profile and treatment of ADHD. Too often, children with ADHD face problems in learning and behavior due to difficulties in cognitive and metacognitive functions. It is not uncommon for them to be marginalized either at sch...

Present research was evaluated under the guide and with the support of COST CA19136: NET4Age-Friendly the main aim and objective of which is to establish an international and interdisciplinary network of researchers from all sectors to foster awareness, and to support the creation and implementation of smart, healthy indoor and outdoor environments...

The etiology of autism is the subject of intense research. Genetic factors are clearly important. Gene mutations, gene deletions, copy number variations (CNVs) and other genetic abnormalities are strongly linked to autism. But no etiology represents more than a relatively small percentage of cases. Environmental factors in recent years are increasi...

Anxiety is a particular form of emotional distress which is frequently experienced by students with LD. Research has indicated that high levels of anxiety have negative effects on performance on cognitive and academic tasks. Also, findings suggest that children with LD and ADHD present cognitive and neuropsychological deficits. Cognitive behavioral...

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of stress with autism spectrum disorder, through recent research data, as well as the effect of hormones on this association. In more detail, in the found literature the following parameters of the examined issue are examined: The association of cognition with stress and relaxation with the ba...

Breathing, although unconscious and often overlooked, is a central aspect of our whole being and one of our most vital functions. This review paper aims at investigating the physiological as well as the neuropsychological benefits of breathing training techniques. In addition, we examine the effectiveness of mobile breathing applications in upgradi...

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ADHD in children and adolescents. Many learning and behavioral problems are associated with this disorder as a result of difficulties in cognitive and metacognitive functions. According to Drigas et al. (2021), only when individuals develop these functions can they be integrated in the...

Gender equality and digital development are inextricably linked. On the other hand digital skills are in increased demand due to the digital skill gap expanding. Most of the tech nation’s reports have shown that men still outweigh women by 3 to 1. This study aims to expound the relationship between digital technology and women’s leadership in busin...

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ADHD in children and adolescents. Many learning and behavioral problems are associated with this disorder as a result of difficulties in cognitive and metacognitive functions. According to Drigas et al. (2021), only when individuals develop these functions can they be integrated in the...

Stress continues to be one of the challenging of responding in different situations. It evokes negative thoughts and feelings in a person. It is known that there are many ways to reduce stress, like counseling, training, exercise, e.t.c. Although, nowadays, through technology have developed different ways to face with it. There are many application...

Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Aldous Huxley, Sergei Rachmanicoff, Chopin, Goethe. What do these people have in common? They all used hypnosis to explore and expand the boundaries of their intelligence. The aim of the current review is to investigate the impact of clinical hypnosis on Metacognition, Consciousness and Intelligence bas...

Gender equality is a fundamental human right and is essential for the existence of peaceful societies, with human resources that are fully utilized and sustainable development. Emotional Intelligence is not gender biased and it is an integral key to successful personal and working life. In (Drigas & Papoutsi, 2021) there was an attempt to construct...

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ADHD in children and adolescents. Many learning and behavioral problems are associated with this disorder due to difficulties in cognitive and metacognitive functions. Only when individuals improve these functions will they be able to integrate in the social environment. Skills such as...

Education in the 21st century is called upon to prepare students with disabilities to enter a high-consciousness society where people can learn, think and react fast. The current review paper aims at investigating the role of fast learning in special education. We trace the essential indicators of speed learning with a special focus on those factor...

The aim of this paper is to present a different viewpoint on the educational process through the usage of-adjusted to educational needs-RPGs (Role Playing Games), emphasizing on an interdisciplinary teaching in both cognitive and social-emotional level, which will offer intervention and simultaneously the improvement of the academic weaknesses for...