Views From the Gulch

The Nature of Learning Communities

To fully explore a learning community there must first be an understanding of what a “community” is.  To do this, there are a number of related terms that it is important to clarify. 

Community – people sharing a space/environment; they may/may not have one or more things in common and may/may not work towards a common purpose (Wikipedia, 2008a).

Network – an interconnected group of people who share ideas and knowledge.  The aim of a network is to build a series of associations and relationships with others.  It is generally a loose association between people, often without a formal focus and with fluid membership (Mitchell & Young, 2008) 

Community of Practice (CoP) – people with a common focus or purpose who collaborate, discuss ideas, share expertise, build competence (their own and others) and promote better practice or application of knowledge in the area of focus.  Participation in the CoP is usually bound by rules, both implicit and explicit and is often limited to “registered members”.  There tends to be a sense of commitment to the goals of the CoP by members (Wikipedia, 2008b; Downes, 2004; Department of Finance & Deregulation, 2008). 

I see a learning community as a community of practice – a group of people with a common interest in one or more aspects of learning coming together to collaborate, share information and knowledge, develop competence and improve their practice in the field.  There is an ongoing commitment to participation and sharing of knowledge and resources within the community.  

Proposed Learning Community

The learning e-community I propose to join is the 2008 Networks Community.  It focuses on flexible learning and e-learning issues for vocational education and training (VET) practitioners and others interested in this field.  This community was initially funded under the Flexible Learning Framework with paid facilitators.  Members found the Network useful and at the conclusion of the funding period volunteer facilitators undertook to continue it.  The community commenced in its new format in February 2008.   

Meeting the Criteria for A Learning Community

The 2008 Networks Community appears to meet a number of the criteria of a learning CoP.  There is a focus (flexible learning and e-learning) and participants have a common interest, all being involved or interested in the VET sector.  The community provides for collaboration through discussion forums which all members are able to contribute to and initiate, plus a site for sharing of resources.  There is a commitment to participation and sharing – at least by the facilitators, and participants are encouraged to contribute regularly.  Membership of the community is required to access the community, however the application process is simple and new members are encouraged. 

While not being explicitly stated I expect that the rules of “netiquette” will guide participation in the community. 

The name of the community presents an interesting question – is it a network (ie a loose association) of practitioners, or is it a community with a focus, rules and expectations of participation by members?  Time and participation will tell. 

Value of This Experience To my Studies

Participation in this e-community will provide me with the opportunity to apply and reinforce the learnings from my studies (ie become a better e-learning practitioner) and further my knowledge of e-learning in general.  Involvement will provide me with a model of a learning community and I will be able to compare my own practice to that of others.  I have chosen a community which focuses on an area I am currently exploring in my workplace (flexible and e-learning) to ensure its relevance to me.  This should encourage my commitment to the community, thereby helping to maximise my learning from the experience.   

My Expectations

Based on my definition of this e-community as a learning CoP I have a number of expectations of my experiences with it.  In terms of the community itself I expect that the facilitators will provide regular seeding of ideas for forums, with members also regularly contributing to and commencing forums, as well as providing resources wherever possible.  I expect that all members will abide by the rules of “netiquette” in their participation in the community. 

On a broader scale, I anticipate that the community can facilitate cross-industry information sharing and collaboration and inform thinking in the VET sector, particularly as membership grows as practitioners become aware that this community is active again. 

On a more personal level I expect that I will develop further knowledge and skills in the application of e-learning practices in my workplace and also increase my network in this area.  I also anticipate that I will develop a sense of belonging to this community as my involvement with it deepens.    

References 

Department of Finance and Deregulation 2008, Discussion Lists and Communities of Practice, Australian Government Information Management Office, viewed 25 March 2008, <http://www.agimo.gov.au/practice/delivery/cop> 

Downes, S. 2004, Learning in Communities, viewed 25 March 2008, <http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/GlobalPerspectives/content/article_5249.htm.> 

Mitchell, J.G. & Young, S. 2008, Networking and the National Training System – Core Ideas, ANTA, viewed 26 march 2008, <http://reframingthefuture.net/docs/2003/Publications/4ITN_core_ideas_networking.pdf> 

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2008a, Community, viewed 25 March 2008, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community> 

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2008b, Community of Practice, viewed 25 March 2008, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/community_of_practice>