The fifth edition of the Knowledge Tree e-Journal of Flexible Learning in VET features leaders who are exploring ways to provide creative and connecting experiences for learners and who are seeking to transform and sustain their organisations' abilities to provide flexible learning options for their communities. A printable contents list is provided on the right of the screen.
Through innovative approaches to leadership, organisational sustainability, business modelling, knowledge management, pedagogies, multiliteracies, facilitation with new communication technologies, instructional design and strategic and operational organisational change for business improvement, Australian VET leaders are being recognised, both internationally and within Australian schools and universities, as key thinkers, serious researchers and 'cutting edge' practitioners in the steady transformation of learning in vocational settings.
This edition holds at least two interviews with lead innovators, one with Stephen Heppell of Ultralab on using creativity as a tool to engage learners, including teachers in professional development, and a live voice online interview with Alan Levine of Maricopa Community College and Garry Putland of EdNA Online on Thursday June 3rd in learningtimes.org at 10 am EST.
The majority of contributions to this edition have come from the Flexible Learning Leaders of 2003, who are reporting on their research and experiences. So this edition is a huge contribution to the VET sector in knowledge sharing and knowledge building, through ongoing discussion in the Australian Flexible Learning Community forums.
The Knowledge Tree constitutes a fantastic learning resource for beginning teachers and those moving into more flexible modes of teaching and learning.
Peer Reviewed Articles:
In this section Mardi Dwyer write on GUMs - Games using Mobiles for 15-19 year olds, Jennifer Harding describes the value a Centre of Teaching and Learning can play in achieving operational change, Maureen Sullivan outlines a knowledge management approach to business improvement and Sue Goodbourn's extensive consideration of quality teacher induction provides a veritable bible on key strategies for organisations.
'Our youth. Are they digitally enhanced or not?' by Mardi Dwyer
'Using Safety Nets: flexible learning and operational change' by Jennifer Harding
'Performance = knowledge + learning + use (Clark 2003): the application of knowledge management theory to add practical value to a VET organization' by Maureen Sullivan
'Flying in the VET Sector: Throwing yourself at the ground - and missing!' by Sue Goodbourn
Non peer reviewed articles:
In this section Michael Coghlan provides an eagerly-awaited, practical 'state of play' in the world of voice technologies, Rita Bennink discusses her research into corporate elearning and recommends forming partnerships. Steve Matheson evaluates technology based simulation training, Leonie Pope reminds us of the crucial role of libraries in flexible learning, Robyn Jay discusses multiliteracies, Damon Wallace describes the practical uses for a Learning Opportunities & Outcomes Program (LOOP) and Graeme Kirkwood provides a detailed and stimulating case study of change management for business improvement.
'Finding your Voice Online: an enquiry into the use of voice applications in higher education' by Michael Coghlan
'Implementing elearning from the corporate perspective' by Rita Bennink
'Return on Investment in using Technology based Simulation in Ambulance Officer Training' by Steve Matheson
'Flexible Libraries: opportunities and strategies for engagement' by Leonie Pope
'Rethinking models of literacy provision for the 21st century' by Robyn Jay
'Opening the LOOP: developing a flexible learning culture in the workplace' by Damon Wallace
'Selling Change: a case study' by Graeme Kirkwood
Critique
Our critique section pushes both national strategy and 'on ground' implementation of new technologies through writing on the topical issues of leadership, leadership sustainability, and RSS (Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication) and blogging for teaching and learning.
'RSS blogging and what is means for teaching and learning' by Michael Chalk, Preston Reservoir Adult and Community Education (ACE)
'Leadership in VET' by Jenny Dodd and Phoebe Palmieri
'Sustainability in VET Leadership' by Jock Grady
From the branches:
State reports from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland cover the latest initiatives, projects and 'goings on' in each state, across the schools, vocational and university sectors.
Michael Chalk reports from Victoria, Robyn Jay from New South Wales and Chris Sutton from Queensland.
Interviews:
Out interviews cover exciting and challenging new systemic thinking about learner engagement, international success in elearning tools and support, reflection on national initiatives and the growing profile of VET practitioners in higher education.
You'll find both video and text interviews.
'Increasing teacher and learner engagement through creativity' with Professor Stephen Heppell, Ultralab UK
'A Global Online Support and Content Development Centre for International Users' with Geoff Elwood, CEO Etechgroup
'Mentoring in the Flexible Learning Toolboxes initiative' with Professor Ron Oliver, Edith Cowan University
'Multiliteracies in the Online Environment' with Christine Sutton
Current Research:
'A summary of recent research covers distributed schools, innovative use of communication technologies, outsourcing, partnerships, working laterally, network logic including 'smart mobs', VET's contribution to building social capital and assessment in flexible learning, with links to recent reports and publications.
'Chris Horton and Jock Grady discuss, in an informal interview, a Distributed Collaborative Research Model for Vocational Education Research in Regional Australia. They encourage further communication on their model in the Australian Flexible Learning Community.
Good Practice
This section contains a combination of large reports, short articles, case studies and exemplars drawn from the Flexible Learning Leaders 2003 group covering topics of RTO sustainability.
'The Sustainable Vocational Education and Training (VET) Organisation' is Mark Landy's and Sheila Fitzgerald's TAFE frontiers' report on the impact tangible and intangible assets have on organisational sustainability.
'Increasing the use of e-resources in mainstream teaching and learning' is Bryan Ormesher's description of the value of local networks in implementing new teaching practices.
'From Ripples to Waves' by Sue Hickton outlines models to improve teacher and learner induction into new technologies through communities of practice and blended learning.
'Key competencies, employability skills and the new training organisation' summarises Andrea Bartetzko's captivation with improving learner engagement through the key competencies.
'A Proposed Framework for the Instigation of Flexible Learning in a Secondary School Context' by Ann-Marie Kelly, describes her proposal for change in systems and perceptions.
'Empowering individual learning pathways, through whole of life planning, communities of practice and community partnerships' by Sharon Rice is a collection of four case studies of successful practice.
Part of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework.
