Administrators' Perceptions of Transitioning to a Hybrid Learning Environment: A Case Study

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223

Administrator Attitudes; Educational Change; Blended Learning; Superintendents; Principals; Pandemics; COVID-19; Leadership Styles; Program Implementation; Accountability; Educational Strategies

979-88-417-3129-0

School administrators face uncertainties and challenges in implementing nontraditional learning environments that provide high-quality educational experiences during pandemics and crises (Basilaia & Kvavadze, 2020; Tria, 2020). The purpose of the current qualitative exploratory case study was to explore how 11 district-level (superintendents and directors) and secondary (principals, vice-principals, and supervisors) administrators in Essex County, New Jersey, describe their perceptions on transitioning from a face-to- face learning environment to a hybrid learning environment to examine strategies used during a pandemic. A purposeful sampling technique with a criterion guided the selection of 11 administrators from a population of 28. The guiding research question was: How do district-level and secondary administrators in Essex County, New Jersey describe their perceptions on transitioning from a face-to-face learning environment to a hybrid learning environment during a pandemic? A theoretical framework (Transformative Learning Theory) guided the current study. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, district documents, archival data, and physical artifacts. A constant comparative method provided an effective way to analyze data. Four main themes emerged: 1) Challenges implementing a hybrid learning environment, 2) Internal and external communication and collaboration 3) Benefits of 21st-century learning environments 4) Effective leadership methods and seven sub-themes: a) servant leadership b) collaborative leadership c) adaptive leadership, d) building logistics, e) student accountability and management, f) technology and g) stakeholders social and emotional capacity. Findings provided insight into ways leaders can implement strategies to mitigate challenges and enhance hybrid models. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

As Provided

2024

ED647945