Editing Virtual community of practice (section)

== Online communities of practice ==

Communities of practice involve a group of people with shared interests or goals who participate within the community. Online communities of practice can include affinity groups or forums. Community members provide and function as resources for new members by supporting new members in developing and participating in shared activities.

Some researchers argue that virtual communities necessitate a different conceptualization of community, and that technology stewardship is a key element of virtual communities of practice by making virtual communities independent of any one technology.<ref name="Wenger et al., 2009">{{Cite book |last1=Wenger |first1=Etienne |title=Digital Habitats: Stewarding Technology for Communities |last2=White |first2=Nancy |last3=Smith |first3=John D. |date=2009 |publisher=CPsquare |isbn=9780982503607}}</ref>