Critical facilities for active participation in learning networks

This paper investigates critical conditions for active participation in on-line communities of practice. As a case study, we use three generations of platforms designed to promote learning in the area of Educational Modelling Languages. Following a description of early experience with a conventional web site and with a community site offering facilities for collaboration, we describe a pilot implementation of a Learning Network. Preliminary participation data (both passive and active) is reported, together with lessons learned while setting up the pilot. Early experiences reveal that clear policies, usability and reward systems are critical when facilitating a Learning Network. We reveal first (positive) findings with introducing such a reward mechanism in the network. Our ‘lessons learned’ are phrased in terms of recommendations which will be used to guide subsequent Learning Network implementations.