Network Wisdom: The Role of Scaffolding in Expanding Communities of Practice and Technical Competencies in Community Networks

Abstract

‹ Volume 47 Issue 2, May 2022, pp. 271-291 › Articles Network Wisdom: The Role of Scaffolding in Expanding Communities of Practice and Technical Competencies in Community Networks Michael LithgowRelated informationAthabasca University Philip GarrisonRelated informationUniversity of Washington Esther Han Beol JangRelated informationUniversity of Washington Nicolas PacéRelated informationAlterMundi Michael Lithgow is Associate Professor at Athabasca University. Email: michael.lithgow@athabascau.ca. Philip Garrison is a PhD Candidate in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. Email: philipmg@cs.washington.edu. Esther Han Beol Jang is a PhD candidate in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. Email: infrared@cs.washington.edu. Nicolas Pacé is Community Networks Movement Builder at AlterMundi. Email: nicopace@altermundi.net Abstract Full Text References PDF EPUB Background: One of the key tensions to emerge from research on community owned and operated information and communications technology networks (“community networks”) is why some networks flourish while others fail. Analysis: These findings are based on interviews with 15 community network participants from four rural community networks in Córdoba, Argentina. Community network longevity is shaped by practices of scaffolding—knowledge sharing practices that expand what Étienne Wenger describes as “fields of negotiability” within communities of practice. Conclusion and implications: Network longevity was supported by scaffolding practices that decentralized technical capacities while encouraging deeper involvement among network participants. The network wisdom demonstrated in these cases appears to offer a promising strategy for community networks struggling to achieve longevity.