Name
Building Global Digital Communities of Practice: How Do We Measure Success?
Date & Time
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Daniel Foster
Description

Communities of Practice (CoPs), as defined by Wenger and Lave, are groups of individuals who share a concern, set of problems, or passion for a topic, and deepen their expertise through regular interaction. In the digital age, CoPs are leveraging technology to foster ecosystems where shared praxis and professional development thrive. This shift allows for the creation of specialized subgroups, focusing on unique challenges and interests within broader fields like agrifood systems education. Yet, many questions arise when designing impactful global digital CoPs. Should we prioritize on-demand content to facilitate participation in different time zones, or live synchronous events to stimulate real-time discussion? How can we cultivate a sense of belonging among geographically dispersed members? How do we address disparities in digital access, bandwidth, and platform preferences? Furthermore, what timeline—short-term events or year-round engagement—best supports meaningful participation? <Organization Name> has fostered digital CoPs as a cornerstone for agrifood systems transformation since 2014, evolving its community design to empower educators globally. Today, the network supports a year-round CoP of nearly 1,600 educators from 48+ countries using the "Mighty Networks" platform. This presentation will review operationalized metrics, such as “Contributing Members,” “Active Members,” and engagement patterns across platforms and time zones. Insights include site visits, post interactions, and community-building strategies tailored to a global audience. Ultimately, success extends beyond participation numbers to identifying and addressing barriers that limit engagement. <Organization Name> recommends a data-informed approach to CoPs, ensuring inclusivity and maximizing impact. By addressing access issues and fostering sustained engagement, digital CoPs can drive systematic, generational change through educator professional development.

Location Name
Turner Valley
Full Address
The Westin Edmonton
10135 100 St NW
Edmonton AB T5J 0N7
Canada
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Topic(s)
Scholarship
Presentation Track(s)
Tuesday 2
Schedule Block
Block 1