Foundation Blocks of Community

What is a Community of Practice?

created from Cambridge, Kaplan & Suter's 2005 definition

http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/NLI0531.pdf  

A good foundation will make a world of difference to any community.  Personal Learning Networks, Communities of Practice and various other names are used to describe a group of people who share similar needs and interests.  Etienne Wenger is known as the person who first coined the phrase Community of Practice (CoP). http://www.ewenger.com/   He identifies the three core characteristics as a shared domain of interest, a sense of community and practice.

Successful CoPs are: 

• dynamic
• flexible 
• multi-faceted
• supportive
• non-judgemental
• reflective

They provide for their members:

• a place to share and collaboratively address issues and successes
• an environment of trust
• a sense of connection

They may operate via:

• regular gatherings  
• discussion lists
• online spaces 

Getting started:

• Identify who and WHY
• Establish modes of communication, activities, roles
• Establish protocols
• Create a sense of familiarity
• Balance that with some excitement
• Seek, value and act on feedback

Read more:

Etienne Wenger

Community of Practice Design Guide

Cultivating Communities of Practice
Check out what others are saying on http://www.slideshare.net/

Global Classroom

There are so many great ways to connect students with others - providing powerful learning experiences.  
Let your students talk directly to the:

• author
• astronaut
• marine biologist
• sculptor
• engineer
• and on and on.....

Use: 

• a chat space
• web conferencing facilities
• emails
• forums
• virtual spaces
• and on and on....

For example:

• ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station provides opportunity for students to speak directly to astronauts on the Space Station.
• Connect and collaborate with another school through Schools Online (encompassing the former Global Gateway) or epals 
• Get the real world experience of making a difference through DeforestACTION
• Look for online events like this annual literature festival

Explore resources:

• Secure virtual spaces such as those Blackboard offer
• Web conferencing tools like Blackboard collaborate (formerly known as elluminate) or Skype
• Your education institution's resources, like Education Queensland's Learning Place

Or:

• Your school alumni - put a message on your school website or in your newsletter
• Your local council library
• Universities
• Your personal networks and those of your colleagues
• Contacting people via their website, twitter etc - no harm in asking!

Competence in ICTs is one of ACARA's general capabilities.  The use of ICTs is embedded in the Australian Curriculum.  Just consider also some of the other general capabilities; intercultural understanding, critical and creative thinking, ethical behaviour, personal and social competence; and how they fit perfectly into projects such as these.

Remember:

• Check with your educational institution regarding access to and approval to use online resources.
• Be assured of security for your students by checking out sites, online contacts etc first.
• Don't lose the curriculum focus.  This is not about playing online; it is about using appropriate and available tools and resources to best provide opportunities for your students to experience the intended learning.