Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Lisette Poggioli

Committee Member

Nayesia Hernández

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

Teacher leadership, Higher Education, Virtual Learning Environment, Web 3.0

Abstract

This applied dissertation, a qualitative phenomenological study, explored the challenges that impact higher education teacher leadership in virtual learning environments with the emergence of Web 3.0 technologies. The continuous and rapid advancement of technology has led to the evolution of education. Concepts such as online education and virtual learning environments (VLEs) are becoming more common, especially in higher education institutions. Additionally, integrating emerging technologies, such as Web 3.0 technology, in VLEs presents potential new challenges while potentially impacting existing ones for higher education teacher leadership in places such as Puerto Rico. To make matters worse, there is little to no research into the matter here on the island.

Data was collected through a series of open-ended questions in an online interview questionnaire publicized on specific social media platforms and designed to explore the complexities higher education teacher leaders encounter in virtual learning environments, particularly with the emergence of Web 3.0 technologies. This gathered qualitative data directly from eight higher education educators experienced in teaching in virtual learning environments to understand these teacher leaders' challenges and gain valuable insight on the matter.

An analysis of the data collected revealed three emerging themes. These themes were (a) teacher leaders need and want continuous professional development when dealing with web 3.0 technologies, (b) students' digital divide and technological proficiency impact teacher leadership, and (c) a human-centered approach to teaching contributes to teacher leaders' effectiveness in virtual learning environments. The study's findings highlighted various challenges affecting higher education teacher leaders in virtual learning environments in Puerto Rico. Additionally, recommendations were made to better address these issues and for future research to investigate this phenomenon further.

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