The Quebec English Schools Network RECIT: A case study in the development of a community of practice

This thesis is a case study examination of the development of the Québec English Schools Network, an educational web site serving the anglophone community in the province of Québec. The early history and efforts to build a community of professional educators on-line are described through personal accounts, interviews and extant data. The original rationale for the development of the Québec English Schools Network is examined in the context of existing literature on computer-mediated communication and communities of practice. Recent data is also presented in the form of an on-line user survey and analysis of web traffic to determine to what extent the site has succeeded not only in building a community of practice but also in sustaining it over time. The examination concludes that while the Network has succeeded in bridging distances and creating a limited professional community, further development and leadership are required to ensure its continued success.