Meitheal: An Irish Case Study in Building a Virtual Community of Practice in Transitional Times

This chapter tells the story of the development of a largely on-line community of practice among participants from three institutions that are in the process of becoming incorporated. It is set in the socio-historical context of Ireland. An Irish metaphor, Meitheal, is used to describe the work, which built from initial collaboration by two of the authors in two different institutions, and spread ‘virtually’ to include the other authors. Leadership is spread, and boundaries are fluid. Adobe Connect (a web conferencing platform) and Google Hangouts (an online system for video chat and collaboration) were used, in conjunction with Google Communities, to share and develop tools and systems that have worked for the benefit of all. Specific examples of these tools and systems are presented, along with challenges, benefits, lessons learned and suggestions for future research. Literature about Communities of Practice, rhizomatic learning and Foucauldian analysis of power underpins the work.