In Brazil, I have researched about communities of practice (CoP) in curriculum theory. In my project, I have worked instructional designer for communities and I have used so much web 2.0. In my courses, workshops,… I have offered to graduation students forms and tools to create communities.
Which CoP's have you used? Have you heard of YouFig.com? It's a new, unique online concept that combines the principals of CoP (Communities of Practice), social networking, and collaboration to leverage student-2-student and student-2-teacher collaboration. Worth taking a look at. Contact me if you'd like an invitation.