Cultivating communities of practice: Analysis of 3 case studies using the 7 principles

Sylvia Currie

Patricia Delich

Paul Stacey

Case Study: SCoPE – An Open, Online Community

Sylvia Currie

Case Study:Cultivating a Community of Instructors Designing, Developing, and Teaching Online Courses

Patricia Delich

Case Study:Educational Technology Users Group

Paul Stacey

The 7 principles for cultivating communities of practice

1. Design for evolution

2. Open a dialogue between inside and outside perspectives

3. Invite different levels of participation

4. Develop both public and private community spaces

5. Focus on value

6. Combine familiarity and excitement

7. Create a rhythm for the community

A Few Recommendations

• Expect and plan for program growth. (1)• Form an e-learning advisory committee. (2 & 3)• Provide opportunities for department chairs to learn

firsthand about online learning. (2 & 3)

A Few Recommendations

• Don't over design. (1)• Make history visible. (5)• Allow for flexible participation and participation on the

periphery. (3)

• Profile people and activities more than resources. (5)• Engage all members in planning. (2)• Schedule activities to engage members and invite new

interest. (6 & 7)

A Few Recommendations

Author Contacts

Sylvia Curriescurrie@bccampus.ca

Patricia Delichpdelich@elearningnetworks.com

Paul Staceypstacey@bccampus.ca

Q&A