Putting the Practice back in Communities of Practice.

Hi there,

Here it is... I am starting my blog. This blog is a trial and, as I see it, will allow to share with you questions I have about communities of practice and how online tools can help them in gaining knowledge and experience on the practice. Yes, you probably guessed it, I am very interested in the doing part of communities: on the Practice. Hence the name of my blog: "The Practice in Communities of Practice".

I found that a lot of online sites are about sharing, conversations and dialogue, which is important. One learns tons in a good conversation or better, a dialogue. However I have found it frustrating that I could not really find a tool that would efficiently support CoP to actually practice. In the end, you might have shared a lot of ideas and insight but you still might fail in your practice or project through details in the actual application of the methodologies, tools and approaches. It is like asking busy professional to meet on a Friday afternoon, without realising that they are by then tired after a long week and can't wait to go home to start their week-end. One becomes aware of these details when doing, applying, practicing.

So... How can we assist Communities of Practice in Practicing together or in better learning together in their Practice?

Em