The popularity and pervasiveness of online communities have led researchers and practitioners alike to closely examine the utility of online communities for supporting and facilitating professional learning. As economic constraints leave fewer resources available for professional development, educators in particular are examining the potential of online communities to enhance and extend traditional professional development opportunities. Leveraging the potential of online communities requires an in-depth understanding of the value that members find through their participation. This study used Wenger, Trayner and de Laat’s value creation framework to better understand cycles of value creation in online communities. Findings illuminate how members with varying perspectives and levels of expertise co-construct new forms of meaning and understanding in ways that are individually and collectively valuable, and how they apply that knowledge to their professional practice. Additionally, the study offers insight into the ways in which actions of community leaders and a sponsoring organization support and facilitate value creation through different types of activities, tools and interactions.

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Authors and Contributors

Dr Sharon Booth Freeman

Dr Shaun Kellogg

Projects

Connected Educators Project

As one of seven project partners, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation led the research for the Connected Educators Project, focusing on the utilization of evaluation tools and techniques designed to assess the development and impact of online communities.

Published

May 15, 2014

Resource Type

Journal Article

Published By

British Journal of Educational Technology

Suggested Citation

Booth, S. E., & Kellogg, S. B. (2014). Value creation in online communities for educators. British Journal of Educational Technology. DOI: 10.1111/bjet.12168