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