Networking and Communities of Practice

Global Lessons

Network Definitions

• A collection of components interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information• Wikipedia

• The infrastructure that supports data exchange• Wildpackets

• A series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths• TechTarget

• An association of individuals having a common interest and often providing mutual assistance, information, etc.• Definitions.net

Community of Practice Definitions

• A group of people who share a craft and/or a profession• Wikipedia

• A shared domain of human endeavor formed by persons engaged in a process of collective learning• Etienne Wenger

• A group of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly• Jean Lave

Community of Practice Characteristics

• The domain• Identity is defined by a shared domain of interest

• More than a club of friends or network of connections between people

• Membership implies shared competence or interest in the domain

• The community• Members engage in joint discussions to share

information and help each other• Members build relationships to learn from each other

• The practice• Members are practitioners• Members develop a shared repertoire of experiences,

stories, tools, ways of addressing challenges – a shared practice

L O C O P

Legislative

Legislative

Oversight

Community

Of Practice

LOCOP FAQs

• Q: What is LOCOP?• A: A web-based, virtual discussion

space for practitioners of legislative oversight

• Q: Who belongs to LOCOP?• A: Mainly staff of SAIs and PACs

• Q: What is the cost of membership?• A: Nil

What can I get from LOCOP?

• Discussions• Mostly news items

posted by administrator

• Any member can start a discussion

• Any member can Reply to register their thoughts on a posting

• Library• Documents

• Articles, • Research studies• Publications

• Resources• PD courses• More studies

• Links• To relevant

websites

How do I join LOCOP?

Google “Legislative Oversight Community of Practice” and follow the prompts to

request membership

or

Supply your email address and we will sign you up

Membership is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time

Networking and Communities of Practice

Global Lessons