Virtual Communities for Educators: An Overview of Supports and Best Practices

Abstract

Virtual professional communities of practice may provide important opportunities, communication, and supports for participants in the online world. Within the field of education, for teachers and faculty specifically, such communal participation may greatly benefit professional practice and student learning. Research indicates that professional virtual communities of practice can provide a rich array of assistance, expertise, and authoritative insights necessary for educators in the world of Web 2.0. These communities may foster best practices, knowledge sharing, innovation to the field, as well as assistance to those educators who lack the access to such resources and technology.