Growing Knowledge
A key goal of a community of practice is to build and share knowledge around a specific issue or topic. In a community of practice, all members are committed to be being both learners and teachers. They are also committing to participate in multiple and engaging opportunities to:
- Connect with others
- Create shared understandings
- Unpack research
- Reflect on practice
- Share resources
- Participate in webinars
A collaborative online workspace, such as a wiki, blog, or dedicated website, can serve as a repository for the new knowledge that the community is building. A shared space allows participants to easily access shared knowledge, reflect on or add new knowledge, and revisit archived information on an as-needed basis. As communities grow new knowledge, they can begin sharing beyond the immediate community.
There will be a natural overlap in some of the strategies and processes used to grow knowledge and those used to share results.