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or Online Communities of Practice are described as

**Etienne Wenger:**
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**Learning communities can:**

 * ==== **Facilitate new learning** ====
 * ==== **Encourage connections** ====
 * ==== **Invite participation** ====

**Online learning communities:**
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 * ==== **Expand accessibility** ====
 * ==== **Diminish some barriers** ====
 * ==== **Create new connections** ====

http://www.slideshare.net/pt36/building-learning-communities-online-presentation
 * 1) Working in collaboration is a social process which can create a “space” for community to develop.
 * 2) Learning in community allows for mentor relationships which introduce new members to shared practices and knowledge, preserving the past while inviting new skills and practices.
 * 3) Learning in community can create a shared culture and practices.

** Defining your Purpose: **
"These are some of the questions to ask before you create your online interaction space. By having a clear purpose that makes sense to you, the space owner, and the members, you can give yourself a head start in designing and running a successful online interaction space or community" []
 * Why interact online?
 * Are there alternatives?
 * What do you want to accomplish with your online interaction space?
 * Is it motivating or important enough so that people will overcome time and technical barriers to participate?
 * How will participating in the space benefit them?
 * How have these participants participated in determining purpose and goals?
 * How do you know when you have succeeded?

**Stephen Downes asks us to consider:** media type="custom" key="5227707" []