Projects: Flexible Learning Leaders

The Flexible Learning Leaders (Leaders) project aims to enhance the capacity of a number of VET professionals to lead the implementation of flexible learning in their own organisations, in their state or territory and/or nationally.

With a track record in flexible learning, VET leaders are selected for their potential to champion advances in flexible learning. Flexible Learning Leaders receive funding of up to $25,000 through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, supplemented by funding from their own organisation. This year, the project is focussed on developing a group of up to 64 leading VET professionals, as well as the ongoing development of VET professionals who have either been Flexible Learning Leaders in previous years or are unfunded advocates of flexible learning.

At the end of 2004 the Flexible Learning Leaders network will consist of over 200 professionals who have received funding to contribute to the take-up of flexible learning in VET

For more information about Flexible Learning Leaders, visit flexiblelearning.net.au/leaders

The 2004 project will build upon the experience of the Flexible Learning Leaders in 2000 - 2003. Over the last 4 years, there has been increasing emphasis on the development of leadership skills among the Flexible Learning Leaders. This will be further emphasised in 2004 with a greater emphasis on developing Leaders' skills in advocating organisational change and communicating the benefits of flexible learning and the Framework resources and activities.

The outputs for the project include:

New Flexible Learning Leaders

• A national network of up to 64 new Leaders with improved capacity to lead, advocate change and communicate in order to facilitate the take-up of flexible learning. The 2004 Flexible Learning Leaders will be distinguished from previous years through better representation of private providers, ACE providers, and industry-focused organisations such as National Skills Councils.
• A national induction workshop for all new Flexible Learning Leaders on 29 and 30 April in Adelaide
• Five to seven state induction workshops in respective capital cities (depending on number of successful applicants) in May
• An online discussion forum located on the Australian Flexible Learning Community for the new Flexible Learning Leaders

National and state/territory networks of leaders

• A national network of Flexible Learning Leaders (known as Wollemi Ringleaders) involving 2004 Leaders, Leaders from previous years, Fellows, and other leading VET professionals
• State/territory networks of Flexible Learning Leaders working closely with FLAG representatives and support people and other local leaders in flexible learning.

National Leadership

• A website (flexiblelearning.net.au/leaders) that profiles the three products of Flexible Learning Leaders: the learning from the current and past Flexible Learning Leaders contained in reports and presentations, state and territory based Wollemi Ringleaders events, and the Knowledge Tree (the e-journal of flexible learning)
• The establishment of a mentoring network to assist implementation of flexible learning by other organisations
• Electronic and print based products to disseminate project outputs, case studies, 'success stories', and oral and written reports
• A leadership development workshop where Flexible Learning Leaders, current and past, can share their learning
• Opportunities for the network of Flexible Learning Leaders to provide leadership through mentoring, producing a journal of flexible learning (known as the Knowledge Tree), advocating changes and communicating about flexible learning and the Framework, and facilitating discussions in the Australian Flexible Learning Community.
• Leadership online or in state/territory flexible learning weeks at NET*Working 2004
  

Knowledge Tree: The e-journal in Flexible Learning in VET
Wollemi Ringleaders is the network of Flexible Learning Leaders that provides leadership in innovation and change in VET. One of the products of Wollemi Ringleaders is the Knowledge Tree.

Through this e-journal the Leaders' project aims to:

• Provide a platform for sharing new ideas in flexible learning and leadership,
• Keep Learning Leaders and practitioners up to date,
• Promote the practice of flexible learning and leadership,
• Facilitate Flexible Learning Leader networking on a national and international basis.
  

Visit the Knowledge Tree

2003 resources

2002 resources

2001 resources

2000 resources

Flexible Learning Fellows resources

Flexible Learning Fellows 2001 Change Management Plan

Flexible Learning Fellows 1998-2000 Change Management Plans

2003 Case Studies

Hendra Secondary College: Brisbane secondary college puts flexible learning into action. View Case Study

Elearn.WA delivers for the blind and visually impaired through flexible learning. View Case Study

River Murray Training: E-learning on the way for the wine industry. View Case Study

Wodonga TAFE: Prepared to be flexible. View Case Study

2002 Case Studies

Jenny Dodd

ph: (02) 6207 4955 or (02) 6207 4832
fx: (02) 6207 4829
email: jenny.dodd@cit.act.edu.au