The Community Roundtable

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Community Technology Framework™

The Community Roundtable developed the Community Technology Framework™ in 2019 to acknowledge that technology is what enables community professionals to engage and lead in new ways, and is a critical component of a successful online community program.

While we believe that technology ≠ community, a thoughtful community technology strategy ensures that you have the technology in place to create an effective and elegant community solution.

community technology framework

There are three layers of the Community Technology Framework™.

Engagement Layer – The Engagement layer creates the user experience and is made up of the features and functionality that allow engagement behaviors to happen in a community. The Engagement Layer is the most visible layer of community technology to the members.

Tactical Layer – The tactical or management layer is concerned with the tactical activities of a community manager. This includes content, member, and event management tools.

Administrative Layer – The administrative layer is also known as the back-end of the community – it houses the inner workings of the community.

Online community professionals use the Community Technology Framework™ to identify must-haves for your community before you decide on a community platform vendor is critical.

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Community 101 | Introduction to Community Models and Frameworks

This short, on-demand course gives learners a comprehensive overview of the four frameworks and models that form the foundation of successful community programs.

Complete this free course in TheCR Academy to receive your certification in Community Models and Frameworks. Learn more or start now.

Community best practices

Resources for the people who build online communities.

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