In education, we understand the power of relationships in driving our work. But often, when we try to create community online through discussion forums or social media, our efforts fall flat. To avoid this, start thinking of your online community as a mega-city and yourself as an urban planner.

Educators work within and thrive off of communities. Our schools and classrooms are situated within neighborhoods and towns, connected with families, community-based organizations and local governments. Much of our professional learning takes place through PLCs -- sometimes in person, and sometimes on line. But when it comes to strategically creating and nurturing learning communities, there’s a good deal to learn from business about what communities are, what they can and can’t do, and how to manage them.