I have been asked to gather your feedback on how to more clearly articulate how you (and
other subscribers) use the Diversity and Literacy List (and possibly other NIFL lists). For example, the Institute's lists (http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/discussions/discussions.html) historically
have been used to 

*	Problem solve 
*	Request or receive information 
*	Seek others' teaching or learning experiences 
*	Introduce, discuss, and develop projects and resources 
*	Introduce field experts and dialogue with them about their work 
*	Raise awareness of and debate key issues important to the field 
*	Plan, preview, and report on sessions held at national conferences 
*	Identify who has knowledge and learn about our field's knowledge gaps 

 Some would call groups engaged in this kind of activity "communities of
practice" (CoPs) http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm .

 Communities of practice are:

Groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do
and they learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. 

CoPs share a common interest and commitment to that interest that
distinguishes them from others, they engage in joint learning activities
(whether intentional or not), build relationships that enable them to
learn from one another, and they strive to improve what they do.

Do any of you have any feedback concerning the following questions:

1.What are your reactions to using this language "communities of
practice" to describe who we are and what we do, or for some, what we
strive for on the list? 
2. Is this how you see yourself on this discussion list? Or, could
you see yourself becoming more involved in this way? 
3. What comments or concerns, if any, do you have about the concept
and the term "communities of practice" as it might be used to describe
our online interactions? 

For a quick overview on CoPs: http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm 

I look forward to hearing from you! Please post your reply to the list
no later than Friday, August 29th.