What digital learning networks and communities do you use to collaborate with stakeholders?

1 Benefits of digital learning networks and communities

Digital learning networks and communities can provide many advantages, such as access to diverse perspectives, resources, and feedback from different contexts and domains. It can also give you the chance to exchange ideas and best practices with peers and experts. Furthermore, it can support your learning goals, challenges, and interests, while exposing you to new trends, tools, and approaches in digital learning. Additionally, it can offer recognition and validation of your achievements and contributions, as well as the development of your digital skills, literacy, and identity.

2 Features of digital learning networks and communities

Digital learning networks and communities can vary in size, scope, purpose, and design, but they often share certain common features. These include a platform or tool that enables online communication, collaboration, and content creation; a shared vision, mission, or theme that guides the network's activities and goals; a set of norms, rules, or guidelines that define the expectations of members; a culture of trust and respect that encourages positive interactions; a structure or process to facilitate organization, management, and moderation; and a strategy to evaluate impact, outcomes, and sustainability.

3 How to choose digital learning networks and communities

When choosing digital learning networks and communities that best suit your needs, it is important to consider their relevance, quality, diversity, engagement, support, and accessibility. Relevance refers to how well the network or community aligns with your learning objectives and interests. Quality looks at how credible, reliable, and useful the information and knowledge shared in the network or community is. Diversity examines how inclusive, diverse, and representative the membership and participation in the network or community is. Engagement assesses how active, interactive, and collaborative the communication and learning in the network or community is. Support evaluates how accessible, responsive, and helpful the facilitators, moderators, and mentors in the network or community are. Lastly, accessibility evaluates how easy, convenient, and affordable it is to join and use the network or community.

4 How to use digital learning networks and communities

Once you have selected the digital learning networks and communities that meet your criteria, you can use them to their fullest potential by following some best practices. Start by setting your goals and expectations - what do you want to learn, achieve, or contribute? Then, explore and discover the features, functions, and resources of the network or community. Connect and interact with members, facilitators, and leaders by introducing yourself, building relationships, and exchanging messages. Share and learn by discussing topics, themes, and issues as well as creating, sharing, and accessing content with others. Reflect and evaluate your progress and impact in the network or community to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Finally, celebrate and acknowledge yourself and others for your participation and contribution in the network or community.

5 Examples of digital learning networks and communities

If you're looking for inspiration and ideas, there are a number of digital learning networks and communities you can explore and join. Edmodo is a social learning platform that connects educators, learners, and parents around the world. Coursera is an online learning platform that provides courses, certificates, and degrees from leading universities and organizations. eTwinning is a community for schools in Europe that encourages collaboration and project-based learning. TeachThought is a network of educators and innovators that focuses on critical thinking and creativity in education. And the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers is a community of practice that supports teachers' professional development in ICT integration.