Worksheet 1.1 (a): Discussion on Communities of Practice

Let’s begin with identifying a Community of Practice in the case study and thinking about who might fit the role of technology steward.

Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.

-Wenger E., R. McDermott, W. Snyder (2002). Cultivating Communities of Practice.  Harvard Business Press. (p. 4)

Tech stewards most often are members of the community they serve. They just happen to pay attention to technology issues in the community’s life.

-Wenger, E., N. White, J. Smith (2008). Digital Habitats: Stewarding Technology for Communities. CP Square. (p.25)

Download PDF (1.1a – Identifying a Community of Practice)

Discuss each of these questions in your group and write down your responses.

• What community of practice (COP) is identified in the case study?

• What other possible communities of practice might exist in this region?  Consider the various issues and concerns listed in the case study booklet.  A COP might be narrowly focused on a specific domain.  Or it might have a more general focus.

• List two ways that members of a COP might interact to share expertise as a group?

• Who is filling the role of technology steward in the case study?

• Who else might be able to fill the role of technology steward in the case study?
• • Who understands the community well? Who is trusted?
  • Who is likely to be paying attention to ICT use in the community?