Section outline

    • What is a community? Today, we often think about social media or other types of digital communities when we hear the word. Or you might think of local communities that you engage in or work with. 

      The Learning theorist Etienne Wenger defines Communities of Practice (CoPs) as “groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.”

      In that sense, there is not necessarily a technology component to a community. However, in our organisations today, it often makes sense to use learning and information technologies to enhance and support communities of practice.

      Resources

    • Interview with Severin Matusek from Co-Matter

      This interview was recorded at the Learning Tech for Change event in November 2019.


    • How to grow a community of practice

      The learning theorist Étienne Wenger is known for his work on situated learning and communities of practice. The article below sums up 7 design principles for cultivating communities of practice.

    • Read the article: Seven Principles for Cultivating Communities of Practice URL
    • Read as summary of the workshop on social learning, May 2019 File

    • Reflection icon

      Reflection

      Ask yourself these questions:

      • What is the purpose of my community? 
      • Is it clearly communicated to the community members how they can engage?
      • What kind of activities will inspire the community members to take active part in the community?

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