Four places to find a Community of Practice
The Tool: Developing Community of Practice in Instructional Design
The Purpose
You hear it all the time - “Network” “Reach Out” “Build Community”
But what does that really look like in the field of Instructional Design? While it can be different for everyone, this months’ ID Multitool is an exploration of the places I have found a community of practice.
Use Case
I consider my community of practice the foundation of my education in the field of L&D, and also the best part of my career journey.
It started when I joined the Boise State University Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning Program (OPWL) Masters Program. I worked with a cohort of experienced learning designers, on Needs Assessment, Instructional Design and Evaluation projects in all sectors, including a few Fortune 500 companies.
With these projects we collaborated across time zones, worked in shared virtual spaces, and delivered products that met both the course criteria and delivered value to our clients.
But after I graduated I found myself wondering - How do I build a community of practice in this field?
Since graduating, here are four places I found a meaningful community of practice:
At a job where my title was not instructional design, but because I had an interest in the field, I found an ID at the company that was willing to meet up for monthly “coffee chats.” This led to us co-authoring workshops together.
At a job where my title was Training and Development Specialist. Contributing to that community looked like having lunch with coworkers to discuss career goals, presenting new tools at team meetings, and sharing book recommendations in our field.
At the Association for Talent Development Puget Sound Chapter Contributing to this community looks like monthly networking events and upskilling workshops
At AECT - While I am no longer a member of this community, working with learning designers to publish research in our field was one of my early-career highlights.
Pros
Finding a community of practice expands your toolbox and opens you up to professional possibilities you may have never considered before. It builds your strengths, challenges your perceptions and ultimately helps create meaning in your professional life.
Cons
I have noticed that Instructional designers who want to break into the field for the first time are more susceptible to falling for the pay-to-play “bootcamp” style education. I’m suspicious of any person or organization that promises “job guarantees.” Good communities of practice are rooted in meaningful contribution and mutual support, not snake-oil sales.
Takeaways
Everyone’s community of practice might look different, but if you are unsure where to start, feel free to borrow my ideas!
