Jones, Ann, and Jenny Preece. "Online communities for teachers and lifelong learners: A framework for comparing similarities and identifying differences in communities of practice and communities of interest." International Journal of Learning Technology 2.2-3 (2006): 112-137.

This paper introduces a framework designed to assist in the analysis, development, and maintenance of online and blended communities, an area of growing interest in educational research. Through the application of this framework to two distinct community case studies—which vary by membership type, purpose, policies, and size—the research highlights the differences between these community forms. It evaluates the framework's strengths and limitations based on these case studies and proposes directions for future enhancement. Furthermore, the discussion contrasts this framework with Wenger's influential theory on Communities of Practice (COPs), underscoring key distinctions.