Fostering online networks(for producer organisations)

Why online networks?

• World Bank survey amongst 137 respondents in 37 countries: 94% feels south-south learning is important for international development (60% extremely important)

The basis of all networks: social networks

The basis of all networks is a social network. A social network is a structure made of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, ideas, financial exchange, friendship, kinship, dislike, conflict or trade. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networks

Photo of UK flickr meet up http://www.flickr.com/photos/irashid007/2855672715/

Network purposes

Networks are unique and differ in their purpose

Learning &

knowledge exchange

Advocacy

Research

Service delivery

Innovation

A community of practice is a network that focuses on practice. “Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do

it better as they interact regularly..” Etienne Wenger

(photos by myself and Dorine Ruter)

Community of practice = network focussed on learning

Networks have live cycles

Successful networks and communities are reflexive and generative

(source Patti Anklam: Net Work)

1. Build on existing networks

2. Focus on passions of members

3. Have a well-respected coordinator

4. Involve thought leaders

5. Develop active core group

6. Create rhythm of interaction

7. Develop public and private spaces

7 Succes factors for learning networks

How to foster healthy online communities?

Tara Hunt: “Fostering healthy online communities is complicated, time-consuming and requires dedication to your members”

Myths about online communities or networks

1. Online communities are self organizing

1. Online communities are virtual (focus on the platform)

Web2.0 tools: distributed conversations

Three new tasks for coordinators:

①Online listening (use tools

like socialmention, twitter search, RSS readers etc)

②Bridging face-to-face and online boundaries

③Developing online competencies

Example 1: KM4devStarted in 2000 for KM

practitioners

Combination of f2f, mailing list, later wiki and ning, and group on LinkedIn, active twitterers, journal

Now >500 members on active mailing list 65% north, 35% south

Example 2: IFRTD (international forum for rural transport and development)

Started in 1999, southern driven policy and practice network on transport issues

Decentralised secretariats and national networks in 20 countries, starting with small groups of enthousiasts

Newsletters, CD roms, list servs, website, workshops and meetings

Executive secretary as leadership force

Example 3:CAIS community of practice

Attempt to connect CAIS centres using Dgroups

Difficulties due to internet access, personal interests and preference of face-to-face communications