Online Collaborative Learning and Leadership Development

Learner interactions in the traditional classroom setting fail to develop leadership skills (Felser, 2005). Interactions occur in four ways: 1) between the student and the instructor; 2) collaborative interaction of the students; 3) interactions with the curriculum; and 4) with technology in the online setting (Jung, Choi, Lim, & Leem, 2002). Whether or not these interactions occur effectively can affect the success of the online learning process. Successful interactions facilitate the fostering of advanced learner proficiency in analyzing information and creating innovative means of interpretation. This process augments critical thinking skills that cultivate leadership potential (Billings & Kowalski, 2005).