Session 2: Digital Services and Social Media Tools for the development of CoPs

Learning Objectives:

• Promote a critical interpretation of the use of digital learning content
• Understand the most suitable digital tools for the development of CoPs

In comparison to digital services and social media tools used for the dissemination of the results of applied research in VET, which aim to reach a wide audience to inform about the results obtained, in the organisation of a community of practice it is necessary to focus on user engagement, participation and involvement.

For this reason, developing (CoPs) through digital services and social media tools involves leveraging platforms that facilitate communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among members.

Here are some digital services and social media tools that are effective for developing and sustaining communities of practice:

Digital Services

1. Slack
   • Description: A collaboration hub that connects people, information, and tools.
   • Usage: Create channels for different topics, projects, or groups within the community. Use Slack for real-time communication, file sharing, and integrating other tools and services.
2. Microsoft Teams
   • Description: A collaboration platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration.
   • Usage: Organize your community into teams and channels based on interests or projects. Use Teams for virtual meetings, document collaboration, and communication.
3. Yammer
   • Description: An enterprise social networking service used for private communication within organizations.
   • Usage: Create groups within Yammer for different communities of practice. Share updates, documents, and engage in discussions with group members.
4. Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)
   • Description: A suite of cloud computing, productivity, and collaboration tools.
   • Usage: Use Google Drive for document storage and sharing, Google Docs for collaborative document editing, and Google Meet for virtual meetings. Google Groups can be used to create mailing lists and forums.
5. Mighty Networks
   • Description: A suite of cloud computing, productivity, and collaboration tools.
   • Usage: Use Google Drive for document storage and sharing, Google Docs for collaborative document editing, and Google Meet for virtual meetings. Google Groups can be used to create mailing lists and forums.

Social Media Tools

1. Facebook Groups
   • Description: A feature on Facebook that allows users to create groups for different interests.
   • Usage: Create a group for your community of practice. Use it to share updates, post questions, and engage in discussions. Utilize features like events, polls, and live videos.
2. LinkedIn Groups
   • Description: A feature on LinkedIn for creating professional networking groups.
   • Usage: Create a LinkedIn group for your community. Share articles, start discussions, and network with professionals in your field.
3. Twitter
   • Description: A microblogging and social networking service where users post and interact with messages known as “tweets”.
   • Usage: Use hashtags to create and follow conversations relevant to your community. Host Twitter chats to engage members in real-time discussions.
4. Reddit
   • Description: A social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website.
   • Usage: Create a subreddit for your community of practice. Share content, participate in discussions, and engage with members through posts and comments.

Content Management and Collaboration Tools

1. WordPress
   • Description: A content management system that allows users to create and manage websites and blogs.
   • Usage: Create a website or blog for your community. Share articles, updates, and resources. Use the comments section to engage with members.
2. Medium
   •  Description: An online publishing platform.
   •  Usage: Publish articles related to your community of practice. Use Medium’s social features to follow other members, recommend articles, and engage in discussions.
3. Trello
   • Description: A web-based project management application.
   • Usage: Use Trello boards to organize projects, tasks, and resources within your community. Collaborate on tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.
4. Google Drive
   • Description: A cloud storage service that allows users to store files online and access them from any device with internet access.
   • Usage: Used for file storage, document collaboration, sharing resources within teams.
5. Notion
   • Description: An all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and collaboration.
   • Usage: Create a shared workspace for your community. Use Notion to store documents, create wikis, manage projects, and collaborate in real-time.

Project Management Tools (see competence 8)

1. Asana
   • Description: A project management and task tracking tool designed to help teams organize, track, and manage work.
   • Usage: Create projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress. It supports project views (list, board, calendar) and integrates with tools to streamline workflows.
2. Basecamp
   • Description: A project management and team communication software.
   • Usage: Create to-do lists, milestone management, file sharing, real-time group chat, and automated check-ins for organizing project tasks.
3. ClickUp
   • Description: A project management tool designed to handle tasks, docs and goals.
   • Usage: Manage tasks, track project progress, create and share documents, and set and monitor goals (list, board, calendar, Gantt).
4. AdminProject
   • Description: A project management and collaboration platform for administrative and planning tasks.
   • Usage: Offer features such as task assignment, progress tracking, document management, and reporting tools.

Tips for Developing a Community of Practice – Key Activities:

KNOWLEDGE SHARING: Encourage openness and willingness to share experiences, insights, and resources for mutual benefit.
a. Define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes within the CoP
b. Establish guidelines for participation, contribution, and conflict resolution
c. Gather feedback from members through surveys, interviews, or focus groups
d. Identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies to enhance CoP dynamics and outcomes (e.g., participation rates, knowledge sharing activities)

ADAPTABILITY: Remain flexible and responsive to changing needs and preferences of CoP members and the broader professional community.
a. Define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes within the CoP
b. Establish guidelines for participation, contribution, and conflict resolution
c. Gather feedback from members through surveys, interviews, or focus groups
d. Identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies to enhance CoP dynamics and outcomes (e.g., participation rates, knowledge sharing activities)

ENGAGEMENT: Foster a sense of belonging and active participation among members through inclusive practices and regular communication.
a. Identify potential members through professional networks, conferences, and online communities
b. Develop a recruitment strategy outlining benefits of participation
c. Establish communication channels (e.g., online forums, mailing lists, social media groups)
d. Schedule regular virtual or in-person meetings, workshops, or conferences
e. Encourage members to pursue collaborative research projects or publications
f. Support continuous learning and professional growth among CoP members (skill-building sessions, mentorship programs or peer learning circles)

GROWING: Recognise and celebrate achievements and milestones, implement CoP growth and provide for long-term sustainability.
a. Promote networking opportunities and informal exchanges among members
b. Ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the CoP (plan for continuity, succession, and leadership development)
c. Seek opportunities for collaboration with external partners, funding agencies, or industry stakeholders
d. Expand outreach efforts to attract new members and broaden the CoP’s impact

Harvey, Jen; Dodd, Derek; Deegan, Catherine; Freeman, Olivia; MacMahon, Cormac H.; and Williams, Helen (2021) “Cultivating a Community of Practice model to support and encourage innovative T&L practices to engage practitioners and enhance student success,” Irish Journal of Academic Practice: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 3. doi: https://doi.org/10.21427/8TG2-QF02

Article focus on four embryonic CoPs, based on collaborative processes, supporting institutional transformation and the formation of a new education model at Ireland’s first Technological University (TU). Juxtaposing a series of planned learning innovations with spontaneous interactions and actions of CoP members, authors draw out common themes with respect to how these members developed as professional educators, how they accelerated the adoption of new innovations and their perceived factors for CoP success. The CoP model is then evaluated as a professional development strategy to initiate and sustain practice-based change, as vehicles for sustainable professional development in teaching and learning practice. Based on findings, it offers recommendations for fostering CoPs in supporting strategy-as-practice in the technological university sector.

Article

Activity 2: Example Workflow for Developing a Community of Practice

Following this workflow, try to effectively develop, support and grow a vibrant community of practice that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development by leveraging these digital services and social media tools.

A. Define Your Objectives:

1. 1. Clearly outline the purpose and goals of your community of practice.

B. Select Platforms:

1. 1. Choose the appropriate digital services and social media tools based on the needs and preferences of your community members.

C. Create and Set Up:

1. 1. Set up accounts, create groups, channels, or spaces on the chosen platforms.
   2. Design and customize the digital space to reflect the identity and objectives of the community.

D.Invite Members:

1. 1. Reach out to potential members and invite them to join the community. Use email, social media, and professional networks to spread the word.

E.Facilitate Engagement:

1. 1. Regularly post content, ask questions, and start discussions to keep members engaged.
   2. Regularly post content, ask questions, and start discussions to keep members engaged.

F.Share Resources:

1. 1. Use platforms like Google Drive, Slack, or Microsoft Teams to share documents, links, and other resources.
   2. Encourage members to contribute and share their own resources and knowledge.

G.Monitor and Evaluate:

1. 1. Keep track of engagement metrics and gather feedback from members.
   2. Adjust strategies and tools based on feedback to better meet the needs of the community.

+Linee Guida Local CoPs

Mariano, Corso; Giacobbe, Andrea (2005) ” Building Communities of Practice that work: a case study based research”.
This paper aims to provide a model that describes the evolution of a community in terms of its effectiveness in supporting learning and knowledge management processes. It is based on an empirical research that has involved seven case studies and the analyses of three best practices from secondary sources. From this empirical research it was, moreover, identified, a set of levers that allows the community to evolve in this model increasing its effectiveness.

Article

A Community of Practice (COP) may be used to extend professional development and district initiatives toward Inclusive and equitable practices in profound ways. By discussion and problem solving through the dissection of new learning toward practice schools, administrators, and teachers can take a deeper dive into how new ideas and research can impact and serve students through the finer lens of inclusion and equity. This focused work will be exemplified in this presentation through the work of NW SELPA utilizing COP.