National Institute for Literacy
 

[Diversity 119] Are we a community of practice?

Taylor, Jackie jataylor at utk.edu
Tue Aug 26 20:53:05 EDT 2008


Hi Daphne, All,

Thanks for posting this message. Several of us are working on projects
related to how we consider our participation on these lists. For
example, I'm writing a COABE article and having language to better
articulate what we do opens new ways to talk about it with others.



So, I'm wondering what people think. Have you considered yourself part
of a community(or communities) of practice on this list? Does it seem to
fit with your experience, or not?
(http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm)



To revisit the questions from the original post:



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?



Thanks in advance...Jackie Taylor

jataylor at utk.edu






[Diversity 115] feedback wanted


Daphne Greenberg ALCDGG at langate.gsu.edu
<mailto:diversity%40nifl.gov?Subject=%5BDiversity%20115%5D%20%20feedback
%20wanted&In-Reply-To=48ADA67B.919D.0031.0%40langate.gsu.edu>
Thu Aug 21 17:35:55 EDT 2008



________________________________

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:



4) 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?



5) Is this how you see yourself on this discussion list? Or, could
you see yourself becoming more involved in this way?



6) 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.





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