They are a combination of concepts and methods that build knowledge and bring learning into day to day activities and workflow. Build a performance support system. Build a community of Practice. Build a Community of Practice. I’m a fan of Communities of Practice (CoP).  They are environments (usually supported by technology) for groups of people with a common mission or interest to communicate, share learn and build knowledge needed to more effectively solve problems and accomplish work.  MORE >>

Keeping the Wheels Turning: The Dynamics of Managing Networks of Practice. Journal of Management Studies, 47(1), 85-108 The authors make a distinction between NoPs and CoPs; networks of practice and communities of practice. would not make that distinction, because the closeness between members does not depend on distance, people can really feel part of and identify with a community of practitioners who are based in different location all over the globe. Van den Hooff, B., Huysman, M., & Soekijad, M. 2010). MORE >>

If you’re in corporate training, you’ve probably heard the term “communities of practice&# before. Did you know that communities of practice are now evolving because of web 2.0 is transforming the way organizations conduct performance support for critical tasks. We’ve got the inside scoop—after all, organizations such as Kellogg’s and Overstock.com use our platform to create communities of practice. Join us next Thursday, and we’d appreciate it if you can help us get the word out. MORE >>

Given that the goal of instructional designers and training developers is to improve employee performance, it’s surprising that many continue to create blended learning programs with little or no reliance on performance support tools or systems. Fortunately, performance support systems have received more attention in recent years, thanks to a broader trend toward informal learning strategies. Build performance support into every blended learning effort. Dr. Allison Rossett describes the value of performance support in her article Ode to Performance Support. MORE >>

Cross is a champion of informal learning, Web 2.0, His calling is to help business people improve their performance on the job and satisfaction in life. He has challenged conventional wisdom about how adults learn since designing the first business degree program offered by the University of Phoenix three decades ago. He chairs the Internet Time Alliance, a brain trust of six thought leaders who help companies boost their collective intelligence and profitability through networks. Cross is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School. MORE >>