Whether you're looking to study a new language, prepare for college or spread the word about a particular cause, online learning communities make it easy to find people who share similar goals. These collaborative communities typically focus on a shared learning objective and are almost always free to join.
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Language Learning Communities
Livemocha - More than 4 million people have joined Livemocha to learn a new language together. The site offers free language lessons, opportunities to chat with native speakers and other helpful resources.
Busuu - Language learners who join this free language community can practice their skills with other people around the world. Busuu also provides interactive lessons for learning English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.
My Happy Planet - My Happy Planet is a user-driven community that makes it easy to find a language learning partner. Members are also encouraged to upload videos and post their own language and culture lessons.
Green and Civic Learning Communities
MakeMeSustainable - MakeMeSustainable is a community of people who are concerned about their environmental impact. Community members can calculate their carbon footprint and learn how to take action to reduce it.
SocialVibe - This social community has helped to raise nearly $1 million for various causes. Community members can choose the cause they are passionate about and then help spread the word through MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Blogger and other social media properties.
Change.org - This online learning community raises awareness about important causes and encourages members to participate through petitions and other actions.
Scientific and Academic Learning Communities
ResearchGATE - This online learning community doubles as a professional network for scientists and researchers. Members can connect with colleagues, search for new papers and collaborate on special research applications.
Pronetos - Founded by the faculty of Boise State University, Pronetos is designed to help scholars network and publish research. The global community welcomes scholars of every academic discipline.
Academia.edu - This academic community helps scholars discover what other people around the world are researching and why. Academia.edu makes it easy for any academic to stay abreast of new papers and developments in their field.
Education-Related Learning Communities
TeacherTube - TeacherTube is an online community for educators and other people who want to share instructional videos. Members can rate videos and engage in discussions in the community forum.
We The Teachers - Created specifically for teachers, this online community provides a place for educators to connect, share resources and ask questions.
TeachAde - TeachAde is a social network for educators. Members can find and share lesson plans, audio, video and other multimedia resources.
Miscellaneous Learning Communities
LearnHub - LearnHub is home to many different online communities for students and lifelong learners. Some of the most popular communities focus on studying abroad, standardized test prep, languages, social sciences and mathematics.
GradeGuru - Created for college students, this free knowledge sharing network makes it easy for students to share and find class-specific notes. Members can also utilize GradeGuru's free study materials and academic tools.
Connexions - This Rice University site allows members to contribute learning modules and study modules that have been created by other people.
