This special edition of the Knowledge Tree - an e-Journal of Flexible Learning in Vocational Education and Training (VET) featuring the 2004 Flexible Learning Leaders, marks the end of this leadership development initiative, which was part of the 2000-2004 Australian Flexible Learning Framework.

In this edition we feature the knowledge sharing of key leaders funded in 2004 and also mark a move to more rapid publishing in the increased use of blogs to share knowledge among leaders in flexible learning.

This edition particularly features leaders researching change management and leadership impact skills to sustain innovation and innovators. We also hear from leaders in small, private training organisations who are leading by designing and developing free planning guidelines and implementation tools. Human resources management issues are covered including selection, recruitment and performance management, to ensure the right people are in the right jobs for client satisfaction. Delivery team performance has also been enhanced through the introduction of the 'information coach' as a key member of collaborative delivery teams.

Emotional intelligence (EI) and its impact on leadership capability and teacher identity is the focus of the professional development stream, while innovative practice in the design of a virtual campus for 15-19 year olds is featured. The success of new technologies in health work within Indigenous communities is profiled including innovative message and news retrieval technology.

An editable Concept Map (Cmap), in our Good Practice section, draws together key rapid publishers in Australian flexible learning.

Final presentations by the 2004 Flexible Learning Leaders are on a CD that is contained in the booklet From ideas to action: Leading flexible learning on the ground. You can get a copy of the booklet by emailing leaders@flexiblelearning.net.au. For other resources produced by Flexible Learning Leaders visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au/leaders

Flexible Learning Leaders was an initiative of the 2000-2004 Australian Flexible Learning Framework which aimed to support the vocational education and training system to meet the rapidly increasing demand for flexible learning, including e-learning, from industry, enterprise and clients.

Over five years the Flexible Learning Leaders project provided funding and support for 194 professionals to develop the knowledge, skills and leadership to expand flexible learning in vocational education and training. The project established a national network of experts in flexible learning, comprising managers, practitioners, specialists, and representatives from enterprises, public and private RTOs, advisory bodies, and industry. You can access their individual profile pages which contain reports, presentations, publications and website links on http://flexiblelearning.net.au/leaders. This database also includes the 15 people funded as Flexible Learning Fellows between 1997 and 2001.

The Knowledge Tree was a product of Flexible Learning Leaders. There have so far been six editions of this cutting-edge e-journal and this final special edition featuring 2004 Flexible Learning Leaders. The Knowledge Tree has gradually developed a now primarily, international readership and is consistently the most frequented folder on the flexiblelearning.net.au website. Vocational Education and Training (VET) practitioners now publish more regularly and are recognised as having considerable expertise in flexible learning in education and industry contexts.

The Knowledge Tree has achieved increased:

• publishing levels and academic writing skills of VET practitioners through mentoring and peer review.

• awareness of academic writing standards by VET practitioners as there are now quality examples and guidelines to follow.

• education sector engagement with and awareness of innovative forms of publishing in examples of online interviewing, digital storytelling, blogging (including audio and photo),

• awareness and exchange of good practice between business/corporate VET and institutional VET practice and vice versa through online interviews eg Peter Coyne,

• academic profile of Australian VET practitioners - through interview follow ups which for example, assist practitioners to gain external and internal funding

• interest in VET research and publishing eg. other tertiary based e-journals now offer to publish VET practitioners eg. Central Queensland University

• global understanding of, and networking with, Australian expertise in flexible learning, particularly in VET, through:

1. international participation in real time interviews/web events

2. authors/speakers being contacted through google searches, for their expertise in their specific area, by those inside of (eg. Stephen Downes and NZ leaders) AND importantly, outside of, VET,

3. authors citing work published in editions of the Knowledge Tree.

• free access to professional development sessions through real time events and resources from leading practitioners eg. Diploma of E-learning students and professional development staff use the Knowledge Tree as a resource

• awareness of international VET potential and current activity

• awareness of innovative use of mobile technology use in VET.

For information on the future of the Knowledge Tree in the 2005 Australian Flexible Learning Framework visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au

2004, Australian Flexible Learning Framework, The Knowledge Tree                        flexiblelearning.net.au/knowledgetree

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