AR update by Larissa, Creating Online Discussion Space

Post date: May 2, 2015 7:09:20 PM

I created a google group for the Tech Much teachers as part of my second Cycle. The participants signed up quickly and responded to my post or posted their own tech activities.

I have already noticed that some participants are more active than others. In the parameters of group membership set-up I included an email to be sent to the participants' email whenever someone posts to the group so that they are aware of activity. Also, it is quite convenient that participants can respond directly from their email and that response will post to the google group.

As I stated in my Literature review: Researchers have noted the importance of remembering that CoP (Communities of Practice) should not require all members to agree on every issue. In fact disagreement and conflicting or differing viewpoints can be a valuable tool for a community to use in creating new ideas (Wenger et al., 2009)."

I would like to see more interaction and discussion occurring within this group. So far, it appears to me to be at a superficial level and needs more interaction and dialogue. Additional members may help as well as more time. This online group was started just 3 weeks ago with a 2 week vacation time also happening during this time.

With the important influence of CoP has on learning, the development of Communities of practice among the teachers at my school has great potential for generating the discussion and interplay teachers need to grow in their field. It seems to me that it will take a facilitator to ensure that the beginning growth of this group is nurtured and that participants continue to see interesting activity within the group. I hope it becomes more self sustaining as time goes on.

Digital Habitats by Wenger, White, and Smith, has provided excellent insights into cultivating this CoP.