Table 1 Learning experience: timeframe, settings, Community of Practice (CoP) processes and lifecycle phases

1

Apr–Jun 2010

5-day initial residential training (four editions)

- Reciprocal knowledge

- Meanings and methods sharing

- Identity building

CoP planning, coalescing and start-up

2

Sep 2010

On-the-job and constructivist web-based environment

- Fine-tuning of cooperative and collaborative procedures

- Co-producing and exchanging parts of programmes

Active growth, sustain/renew

3

Jun 2011

1-day final residential workshop (two editions)

Evaluating common experience and outputs

Close

4

Post-project

Web-based environment still accessible

Out-of-project exchange ideas, materials, advice

Dispersed, memorable (residual spontaneous CoP)