From Online Personal Networks to Communities
My early career coincided with the rapid growth of social media platforms and Web 2.0. They enabled me to take advantage of a global network of connections and opportunities for professional collaboration that simply would not have been possible in the previous century (yes, I’m old enough to have been working in the 20th century!).
I was an enthusiastic Twitter user (I’ve since moved to BlueSky), and the eclectic mix of people I followed and interacted with became my main source of professional development. This informal, online Professional Learning Network (PLN) had a huge positive influence on me and informed my practice in many ways.
I later benefited from taking part in online Communities of Practice (CoPs), where I drew on the collective expertise of people working in the same subject area. While PLNs offered me informal and diverse opportunities to learn, CoPs provided access to peers in the same domain facing similar challenges, and enabled me to jointly explore new opportunities with them in a more structured way.
Defining Communities of Practice
“Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do, and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.”
— Etienne Wenger
Our Digital Leadership and Culture forum is modelled on the principles of a Community of Practice (CoP). Members come together in monthly drop-in sessions to discuss shared challenges and opportunities, and to learn from each other. The conversations span a diverse range of topics, from AI and engaging staff with CPD to the future of learning resource centres, reflecting the different priorities and interests across the sector.
Although these sessions are informal and accessible, they embody the key elements of a CoP: a shared domain of interest, regular interaction, and the co-creation of knowledge and insights. Hosted by Debbie Baff, the sessions generate practical ideas and learning that members can apply in their own organisations.
Why Communities Matter for Organisations
There are clear benefits to organisations when staff take part in Communities of Practice within their organisation and beyond. They can break down silos, foster a shared sense of purpose, catalyse cultural change, and provide access to broader expertise and fresh perspectives.
In my experience, CoPs and the knowledge they generate offer opportunities for leaders such as:
- Early insights into emerging trends and needs
- Evidence to inform strategic decisions
- Opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration
- A way to empower staff and foster distributed leadership
The Role of Leadership in Sustaining Communities
Sustaining a community can be a challenge. I’ve seen CoPs fizzle out due to demands on time and lack of formal recognition. This is where leadership can make a real difference by creating the conditions for CoPs to thrive through strategic support, visible endorsement, and integration into organisational culture.
Looking Ahead: Community Knowledge Management
As the new academic year gets into full swing, we will be hosting our September community drop-in session. Inspired by Rosie Sherry’s presentation at Jisc’s very own Community day in Bristol, we’ll be trialling new ways of sharing the community knowledge that is generated and exploring how members can contribute more easily and meaningfully, something Rosie calls Community Knowledge Management.
Whatever the topic, the real value comes from the collective knowledge our community generates and shares. We’d love to hear from you if you have led or benefited from a Community of Practice.
You can take part in our next live drop-in session by joining the Digital Leadership and Culture forum.
Other Jisc communities:
Further Resources
- Communities of Practice Versus Professional Learning Networks | Teaching Online Masterclass, Adobe (YouTube Video)
- The Power of Community Knowledge Management (We Are Open Collective)
Images from Boliviainteligente on Unsplash.com
