The education system is facing several disruptive innovations that are causing
educational institutions to undergo massive transformations (Collins &
Halverson, 2009). Globalization of the economy, a new information landscape,
transformational technologies, and increased hyperconnectivity are
societal factors that should affect how schools conduct business (McLeod,
2011b). Additionally, a review of research suggests that school leaders are
critical to improving instruction and raising student achievement (Leithwood,
Seashore-Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004). If the intent of leadership
preparation is to produce leaders and to prepare individuals for new responsibilities
and career opportunities, we must examine the educational landscape
and offer experiences that allow pre-service administrators to develop
the necessary knowledge and skills. The questions arise: Are Educational
Leadership programs preparing leaders for diverse settings, and specifically,
what is the state of field experiences in virtual environments?