Blog #6 Community of Practice

It strikes me that communities of practice are much the same as on the job training that goes beyond the boundaries of the work environment. Whether learning to knit, fly a plane, or simply expand your knowledge of a language surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals only serves to boost the speed and accuracy of ones learning.

Today, communities of learning are everywhere. Gamers immerse themselves in environments where newbies quickly learn from others not only the technical components of their game, but also the socially acceptable nuances that comprise the core of the game setting.

Social media only allows this concept to expand exponentially. Social media allows individuals to surround themselves with experts and other learners in any interest they desire – even if pursuing their interest would otherwise be geographically impossible.

Now, thanks to social media and other Web 2.0 tools, anyone anywhere – with a good internet connection – can pursue any avenue desired.