Online CoP vs. Offline (traditional) CoP

An example of community of practice is our class. We all have to communicate with each other through the team wiki in order for us to complete the powerpoint and get our presentation together. We have to have participaition adn input from each member in order to give a successful presentation. Although we have the incentive of getting a good grade this is still a great way for us to communicate. Also through blog and sharing thoughts about Knowledge Management.

Until the advent of telecommunications technology, definitions of community focused on close-knit groups in a single location. Factors such as birth and physical location determined belonging to a community. Interaction took place primarily face-to-face; therefore, social relationships took place with a stable and limited set of individuals.

Pro of Online Community:

• You have flexibility. 24/7 accessibility. Where ever you are, as long as you have internet connection, you can access the community.
• Global. You can share ideas from TN to China without even have been there.
• Some people may be shy so an online community will level the field for these people. People who may not normally speak in public now can have there voices heard loud and clear. They maybe afraid of getting there ideas shot down,but through an online community instead of getting their ideas shot down, they can share them and others can expand upon them.
• Online communities are documented and can be recalled unlike verbal conversations.
• There is no forced communications. Participants don't have to contribute until they've had time to think about something effective to say.
• No one will interrupt your chain of thought. You can get all of your thoughts out before you forget.
• Online communities you have a choice wether you want to give a quick responds, or a well thought out answer.
• LIMITLESS. This is the most important. There are no limits to online communities and the unexpected may often result in and increase incidental learning.

Cons of Online Community:

• The text-based format could cause a problem for those who aren't computer savvy. Some people may not have great typing ability. But with the resurgence of video conference this is becoming less of an issue.
• No physical contact. This may make it hard to gain trust, and a lot of communication is non-verbal through facial expression and hand gestures so there is a risk of being misunderstood.
• Information overload.
• Lack of direction can cause the discussion to spill out of control from subject to subject.
• Some people prefer to learn on their own, and don't do well with sharing their thoughts to the masses.
• Lag-time. You may want a reply right then, but you will have to wait to some one logs on to get back with you.

Pros of Offline Community

• Gaining trust through face-to-face communication.
• Use body language to interrupt thoughts and feelings
• Instant responses
• Brainstorming, and the ability to bounce ideas back and forth.
• Damage control, being able to resolve conflict immediately.
• You trend to be more comfortable with interacting in a smaller network with people you know.

Cons of Offline Community

• It can become time consuming
• Often interruptions
• People try to talk at the same time and you loose your thoughts.
• It maybe expensive if you have to travel to meet someone
• There is no record of what has been discussed
• Cliques may form, and politics may come into play.