Looking back to look forward

Creating and sustaining peer connections through digital communities

Abstract

Digital communities provide opportunities to engage with local, national and international communities of learners or colleagues around a particular domain of practice. This paper briefly describes an adapted communities of practice model used to structure digital communities for a professional association's peer mentoring program. Methods and techniques for the facilitation and leadership of digital communities are explored and findings from two evaluations of the program are examined to identify successes and areas of improvement. Recommendations for future opportunities are also proposed.