How Classroom Leadership and the Use of Technology Affect the Transformative Learning of the First Year Online Student

Much has been written on leadership theory and learning outcomes in the classroom. However, there is a gap in the literature as to the application of leadership theory and the use of technology to the online classroom with regard to the transformative learning of the first year online student. There are two leadership theories that may assist online instructors in affecting the transformative learning of these students. The first leadership theory is situational leadership. This approach refers to the instructor adjusting their style to fit the development level of the student (Hersey and Blanchard, 1996). The second leadership theory is transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is a style where instructors are focused on students’ intrinsic motivation and confidence (Menon, 2011). With the online classroom in a constant state of digital change, it is the flexibility of the instructor’s leadership style and their use of technology that can affect transformative learning in the online classroom. This presentation will discuss situational and transformational leadership theories that when applied may affect the transformative learning of the first year online student.