Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor's Name

Sarah Mathews, PhD

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Eric Dwyer, PhD

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Melody Whiddon-Willoughby, PhD

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Douglas Robertson, PhD

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Experiential learning, high-impact practices, internship, leadership, non-traditional students, virtual internship, supervisor

Date of Defense

6-29-2018

Abstract

This study explored certain leadership methods that eSupervisors were utilizing with eInterns through the theoretical lenses of House’s (1971) path-goal theory of leadership and the effectiveness of these methods on learning outcomes. The overarching research question that guided this study was: How do eSupervisors contribute to the learning growth of eInterns? A qualitative multi-case study was conducted on a population of eSupervisors, current eInterns (students), and past eInterns (graduates) that were associated with the Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) program. VSFS is a program aimed at exposing students to working opportunities in the government. The findings from this study imply that there are a number of ways in which eSupervisors can contribute to the learning growth of eInterns. These contributions will vary depending on the eInterns, the environmental characteristics, the leadership approach taken, and the motivational factors involved. The significance in applying this research today falls in line with the booming growth of distance education programs the trend of incorporating technology in the classrooms.

Identifier

FIDC006888

Comments

Final Submission

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