Tracer Studies: A Concrete Approach to a Virtual Challenge

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Author(s): Nancy Brigham (Rosenblum Brigham Associates, USA)
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 14
Source title: Handbook of Research on Methods and Techniques for Studying Virtual Communities: Paradigms and Phenomena
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Ben Kei Daniel (University of Saskatchewan, Canada)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-040-2.ch041

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Social Computing / Virtual Communities & Virtual Reality

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Abstract

This chapter introduces Tracer Study methodology, a cost-effective, capacity building tool for evaluating the operations and effectiveness of Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoPs). We make the argument that a VCoP is a dynamic, continually evolving entity, whose characteristics distinguish it in important ways from naturally occurring or purposively planned communities of practice operating in the face-to-face world. As a result, VCoPs lend themselves to evaluation by means of Tracer Studies, a methodology that originated in the field of knowledge utilization, and has been adapted to assess how a VCoP operates and the extent to which it is successful in promoting knowledge use and dissemination. The chapter provides historical background on VCoPs, defines Tracer Studies and demonstrates the types of information that may be derived from a Tracer Study evaluation. We also discuss the application of Tracer Study methodology to the evaluation of VCoPs sponsored by a private education organization.

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Tracer Studies: A Concrete Approach to a Virtual Challenge

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