Building a digitally enhanced community of practice

Abstract

Purpose Emergency transitions from face-to-face learning environments to digitally mediated learning require robust support networks, particularly in the form of communities of practice. Digitally enhanced communities of practice (DECoP) can be created and sustained when research-based design principles are used. The purpose of this paper is to present a set of evidence-based design principles for purposeful creation of digitally enhanced communities of practice. Design/methodology/approach This study used integrative literature review methodology. All literature regarding DECoP was collected, analyzed and synthesized to provide a set of design principles for building DECoPs. Findings The analysis resulted in 26 crucial design principles and 8 desirable design principles. Practical implications The synthesized set of design principles provides a blueprint for designing and facilitating the development of DECoPs. Originality/value This unique synthesis of the DECoP literature provides practitioners with guidance in creating and nurturing a new DECoP.