Hur, Jung Won, and Noriko Hara. "Factors cultivating sustainable online communities for K-12 teacher professional development." Journal of Educational Computing Research 36.3 (2007): 245-268.

This research aimed to identify factors contributing to the sustainability of online communities, focusing on K-12 teachers through a case study of the INDISCHOOL community in Korea. Through telephone interviews, examination of Web-board postings, and participant observations, twelve key factors (eight supportive and four hindering) were identified and grouped into internal, external, and outcome categories. Critical internal factors included a sense of ownership, autonomy, and the recognition of participation value, which were significant for INDISCHOOL's growth. Teachers believed that their active engagement in INDISCHOOL enhanced student learning and valued the community as part of their professional development.