So what form does a virtual school community of practice (CoP) take? It begins with two points of intersection. First, administrators set up a virtual space for communication and collaboration. They will need to choose a platform that has both public and private spaces and allows for the formation of subgroups that can be created by community members as needed. The platform should be very intuitive and require a minimal learning curve. Once the platform is selected then a community organizer who understands how to develop community online should be chosen. This person's contribution can not be underestimated in the beginning of the work.
Second, teachers need to have easy access, full permissions and the ability to use the platform in ways that make sense. By developing CoPs within their classroom, teachers model for their students how to establish learning networks of their own. Student networks should consist of content experts who are critical to mastery of curriculum objectives and classroom goals.
The main page of the virtual community will have the familiar branding of the school's logo, Web page and other established cultural artifacts to make it easily identified and to provide the connective pieces needed for members to feel part of the school community. The main page provides the portal through which all other community pieces can be accessed or where various stakeholders can request access.
Jenith Mishne on 17 Oct 08tufte
